Why in News ?
Recently government Prohibits Exports of Injection Remdesivir as a result of sudden COVID spike in Inida. There are 11.08 lakh active COVID cases and they are steadily increasing.
Need for Export Prohibition
As COVID increases there is a sudden spike in demand for Injection Remdesivir used in treatment of COVID patients. There is a potential of further increase in this demand in the coming days.
Injection Remdesivir
- Remdesivir is a drug approved for treatment the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- It was developed during the out break of EBOLA.
- Mainly used for the treatment of COVID-19 disease during the pandemic
- It is recommended for the treatment of hospitalized adults and children
- The age should be 12 years and weigh at least 40 kg.
- Seven Indian companies are producing Injection Remdesivir with M/s. Gilead Sciences, USA having a capacity for production of about 38.80 lakh units per month.
Measures Taken by the Government
- Domestic manufactures of Remdesivir have been advised to display details of their stockists/distributors on their website.
- Drugs inspectors and other officers have been directed to verify stocks and check their malpractices
- Also take other effective actions to curb hoarding and black marketing.
- 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.
Source : PIB
GS II : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Current Affairs Compilation : 12 April 2021