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India bans export of Remdesivir till Covid-19 situation improves

The government took this decision to ensure easy access of Remdesivir to infected patients and hospitals
Last Updated 11 April 2021, 22:57 IST

Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, the Centre has banned the export of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir.

"Government of India has prohibited the exports of Injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) till the situation improves," a statement from the government said on Sunday.

The government took this decision to ensure easy access of Remdesivir to infected patients and hospitals.

The government also advised all domestic manufactures of Remdesivir to display on their website, details of their stockists/distributors to facilitate access to the drug.

Drugs inspectors and other officers have been directed to verify stocks and check their malpractices and also take other effective actions to curb hoarding and black marketing, the statement said.

"The State Health Secretaries will review this with the Drug Inspectors of the respective States/UTs.The Department of Pharmaceuticals has been in contact with the domestic manufacturers to ramp up the production of Remdesivir," the statement said.

"India is witnessing a recent surge in Covid-19 cases. As on April 11, there are 11.08 lakh active Covid-19 cases and they are steadily increasing. This has led to a sudden spike in demand for Injection Remdesivir used in the treatment of Covid-19 patients. There is a potential of a further increase in this demand in the coming days," the statement added.

Seven Indian companies are producing Injection Remdesivir under a voluntary licensing agreement with M/s. Gilead Sciences, USA. They have an installed capacity of about 38.80 lakh units per month.

Several hospitals witnessed a shortage of Remdesivir, considered a key anti-viral drug in the fight against Covid-19, especially in adult patients with severe complications. Even in some places public staged a protest over the crisis due to a shortage of drug as there have also been cases of hoarding and black marketing.

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(Published 11 April 2021, 12:10 IST)

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