Amid the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, several states have witnessed shortage of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir.
The anti-viral drug Remdesivir is considered a key drug in the fight against COVID-19, especially in adult patients with severe complications.
Remdesivir helps shorten recovery time for patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease and is being used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms.
Meanwhile, Centre is taking various steps to ensure easy access of Remdesivir to patients and hospitals and for that matter, it has prohibited exports of Remdesivir injection and Remdesivir active pharmaceutical ingredients till the COVID situation in the country improves.
List of websites and helpline numbers that have information about hospital beds, Remdesivir-
1. To help people get access to the drug easily, pharma major Dr Reddy's Laboratories' official website has listed various details on the availability of Remdesivir.
The website readytofightCovid.in lists all hospitals and pharmacies in various cities that stock the drug and contact details of the hospital. It also offers access to a 24/7 helpline number, 1800-266-708, for all Covid-drug-related questions.
2. Blog of consolidated information on empty hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, information on plasma etc. – https://blog.indianhelpline.com/2021/04/15/india-fights-covid/
3. Delhi government’s website to keep track of beds – https://delhifightscorona.in/
4. Cipla is currently giving Remedesivir injections directly to the hospital where a patient has been admitted in order to avoid the black marketing of the medicines. Cipla websites – www.cipla.com , email at – info.availability@cipla.com, helpline no. – 8657311088
Enforcement authorities of states and central government have been directed by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to take immediate action on incidence of black-marketing, hoarding and overcharging of Remdesivir.
The government has prohibited citizens with mild to moderate symptoms from using it at home. "Remdesivir is to be used only in those who require hospitalisation and are on oxygen support. There is no question of its use in the home setting and for mild cases," NITI Aayog member VK Paul had noted in a statement.
Remdesivir is manufactured by a handful of companies under brand names like Cipremi (Cipla), Covifar (Hetero), Desrem (Mylon), Remdac (Zydus), Redyx (Dr. Reddy's).
