Tamil Nadu government hospitals face short supply of critical surfactant drugs

Government hospitals across Tamil Nadu have been facing a severe short supply of surfactant medicines, which are critical for inflating the lungs of pre-term babies.

Medical college hospitals in districts including Theni, Dharmapuri, Tiruppur, Cuddalore, Vellore, and Chennai reported shortages over the past few months due to miscalculated requirements and higher utilization.

While doctors have managed by borrowing supplies or utilizing SNCU funds, a Health Department source stated that a six-month purchase order worth ₹9 crore has been issued.