From Bhupen Goswami
New Delhi : Union Home Minister Amit Shah today told reporters that we have enough production of ramdesivir, a life-saving drug for corona patients, but its exports have been put on the ground as a precautionary measure. He has asked people to buy remadesivir only on the advice of doctors. Shah’s statement comes at a time when several state governments, including Maharashtra, have lodged complaints about the shortage of injections. Reports of shortage of remdesivir and medical oxygen are being reported from many parts of the country amid the uncontrollable second wave of corona. However, several steps have been taken by the Centre to supply oxygen and remdesivir.
On the one hand, it was decided by the Railways to run a special train for medical oxygen supply. On the other hand, 7 pharma companies have reduced the prices of remdesivir. The price of Remdesivir has been reduced from Rs.899 to Rs.3490. Union Home Minister Amit Shah told reporters today that the production of remdesivir is adequate. We have banned exports as a precautionary measure. In the panic of corona, people are buying it in bulk, which is bound to come down. “I appeal to people to buy it only on the advice of doctors,” Shah said. According to the Health Ministry, a record 2,73,810 new corona cases were reported in a day in India, while 1619 people died. According to the Ministry, the number of active patients in the country has increased to more than 19 lakh. According to the latest report till 8 am on April 19, there are a total of 1,50,61,919 covid19 cases in the country. However, a total of 1,78,769 people have lost their lives so far. Infection cases have increased for the 40th consecutive day. The recovery rate due to corona infection has come down to 86 per cent.
So far, 1,29,53,821 patients have recovered from corona across the country. The mortality rate has fallen to 1.19 per cent. Seven pharma companies cut its prices following government intervention amid shortage of anti-viral injections in the country. Dr Reddy’s Lab in Hyderabad sells this medicine under the name Radix. It has reduced the price from Rs.5400 to Rs.2700 now. Similarly, cipla medicine sipremi has now become Rs. 3000. It was earlier priced at Rs.4000. On the other hand, Mailan has increased the price of its brand from Rs 4800 to Rs 3400 and Jubilant Generics has increased the rate of its brand of the drug to Rs 3400 per unit. Earlier, it used to be available for Rs.4700. Similarly, Hetro Healthcare has reduced its price to Rs 3490 instead of Rs 5400. She sells it under the name Covifor Brand. Cadila Healthcare has reduced its price to Rs 899 per injection.
