Pointing out that Remdesivir injection is being used rampantly while treating Covid-19 patients, Maharashtra’s Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, “After talking to several medicos, I have drawn a conclusion that the injection need not be used for every Covid-19 patient. It is very effective but doctors should maintain rationality while using the injection to treat such patients. We will come up with the guidelines for the use of this injection.” Tope was addressing mediapersons at Divisional Commissioner office on Friday.

 

The Minister along with Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Minister Dr Rajendra Shingane reached Nagpur on Thursday, and left for Gondia and Bhandara. Both the minister reviewed the situation in both districts. Tope, on Friday, convened division-level meeting which was also attended by Dr Rajendra Shingane.

Expressing concern over excess use of Remdesivir injection resulting in shortage of the injection, Tope suggested, the injection should not be administered as and when the patient is admitted to hospital.

“Because of shortage of the injection and its ‘craze’ among patients, the cases of black-marketing are reported. To stop the ill-practice, a campaign has been launched,” said Dr Rajendra Shingane.

“I am not only suggesting rational use of the injection, but also preparing a circular to this effect and it will be issued within a day,” Tope made it clear.

Of course, considering the utility value of Remdesivir injection Government has already started manufacturing it so there should not be any shortage. It was evident from the announcement made by Dr Shingane that some pharmaceutical companies had started manufacturing this injection and by this month end there would be 10 lakh injections available in the kitty of Maharashtra.

“The department has received some complaints against private hospitals which asked deposit amount before admitting the Covid patients. If the hospitals continue applying such practices, the administration would take strict action against them,” warned Tope.

Those present during the meeting include Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, Animal Husbandry Minister Sunil Kedar, Zilla Parishad President Rashmi Barve, Mayor Sandip Joshi, MP Krupal Tumane, MLAs Sameer Meghe, Vikas Kumbhare, Divisional Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Special Inspector General of Police Chiranjeev Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Yogesh Kumbhejkar, Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar, Sudhakar Shinde, Archana Patil, IMA President Dr Archana Kothari, ex-MLC Prakash Gajbhiye were present.