DCGI directs states, Union Territories to ensure sale of COVID-19 treatment drug Remdesivir at MRP

IN the wake of several cities across India, including Mumbai, Bangalore  and Delhi, facing a shortage of the experimental antiviral drug Remdesivir, Union  Ministry For Health & Family Welfare has directed the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to ensure that Remdesivir, used for the treatment of Covid-19, is sold as per its maximum retail price.DCGI has also asked drug controllers in states and Union Territories to prevent black marketing of Remdesivir which is being sold as high as up to Rs 80,000 in an open market in some states. Delhi is also struggling to source it from other cities or buying it at exorbitant prices. In Delhi, both private and government hospitals have reported depleting stock of coronavirus medicine. The DCGI has approved restricted emergency use of Remdesivir injectable formulation for the treatment of patients with severe Covid-19 infection, says The Pioneer. The Health Ministry said many citizens have flagged the issue of alleged black marketing of Remdesivir.”The MRP of Remdesivir marketed by Hetero Healthcare Limited is Rs 5,400 but some consumers have reported it being sold at a price of anywhere between Rs 15,000 to 60,000.” DCGI Dr VG Somani, in communication to states and UTs, said, “You are requested to instruct your enforcement officials to keep a strict vigil on the matter to prevent the black marketing and sale of the drug Remdesivir injection above Maximum Retail Price (MRP),” Somani said. Compliance of the order should be intimated to DCGI .”Various medical shops have been telling buyers that the medicine is in short supply but can be made available if they are ready to pay a premium. It has also been reported that doctors at many private hospitals are directing families to procure and get the medicine themselves,” it said. The Government should ensure a mechanism wherein there is no pilferage as well as work on enhancing production to make it within the reach of the needy. say some medics. Union Health Ministry on June 13 had allowed its emergency use for treating COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms. (image courtesy: IndiaTV)