09/08/2026
Public Rights Action Committee Raises Four-Point Health Demands, Warns Against Compromising Public Healthcare
“Healthcare Is a Right, Not a Privilege—Patients Cannot Be Left Waiting When Every Minute Matters”
ITANAGAR, Aug. 9: The Public Rights Action Committee has stepped up its demand for urgent reforms in pharmacy regulation and emergency healthcare services in Arunachal Pradesh, calling for stronger accountability, round-the-clock access to essential medicines and improved emergency response mechanisms.
Addressing the media, Committee spokesperson Tana Tamar Tara said the healthcare system must be designed around the needs, safety and rights of ordinary citizens.
“A patient does not fall sick according to office hours. When life is at risk, medicine and emergency services must be available without delay. The government must put patients first.”
The Committee has placed four key demands before the state government:
1. 24×7 Pharmacy Services
The Committee demanded round-the-clock pharmacy services across the state, particularly at major hospitals and strategic locations, so that patients can access essential medicines during emergencies and after regular business hours.
2. Strict Enforcement of ‘One Licence, One Pharmacy’
It demanded strict implementation of the “One Licence, One Pharmacy” policy to ensure transparency, accountability and effective monitoring of pharmaceutical establishments.
“A licence must mean responsibility and accountability. The pharmacy sector cannot be allowed to operate in a manner that creates loopholes at the cost of public safety.”
3. Probe Into Alleged Illegal or Irregular Pharmacy Licences
The Committee called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations concerning illegal or irregular pharmacy licence holders and demanded appropriate legal action wherever violations are established.
«“If there are violations, there must be investigation. If violations are proved, there must be action. Public health cannot be compromised for anyone.”»
4. More Ambulances, Faster Emergency Response
The Committee demanded an increase in ambulance services across Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas, to ensure that critically ill patients receive timely transportation and emergency care.
“In an emergency, every minute can decide between life and death. Arunachal needs an ambulance network that reaches patients—not patients waiting endlessly for an ambulance.”
Transfer of Pharmacy Officer Nabam Yahie Also Raised
The Committee also raised concerns over the transfer of pharmacy officer Nabam Yahie from TRIHMS to Anini.
Tara alleged that Yahie had supported public concerns and raised her voice on issues affecting the people, and claimed that her transfer was connected to her stance on those matters.
The Committee urged the government to review the circumstances surrounding the transfer and, if the allegations are substantiated, consider reinstating Yahie to her previous position.
“Speaking for the public should never become a reason for punishment. Government employees must be encouraged to raise genuine concerns—not silenced or discouraged.”
The Public Rights Action Committee appealed to the state government and concerned health authorities to respond to these demands with concrete action rather than assurances, stressing that accessible healthcare, accountable pharmacy regulation and effective emergency services are essential to protecting the lives of the people.
“The people are not asking for special treatment—they are asking for a healthcare system that works when they need it most.”
The Committee said it would continue to raise issues concerning patient rights, healthcare accessibility, pharmacy accountability and emergency medical services in the larger public interest.
