Maharashtra govt threatens to seize Remdesivir stock from companies
Maharashtra Cabinet minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik alleged that the Central government was blocking the sale of Remdesivir to Maharashtra by 16 private manufacturing companies.
FollowEven as Maharashtra continues to grapple with a shortage of anti-viral drug Remdesivir -- used to treat COVID-19 patients -- state Cabinet minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik has threatened to seize the stock from the companies.
Nawab Malik alleged that the Central government was blocking the sale of Remdesivir to Maharashtra by private 16 manufacturing companies.Â
In a series of tweets, Malik said: "It is shocking that when Maharashtra government asked 16 export companies for Remdesivir, we were told that Centre had asked them not to supply the medicine to the state. These companies were warned that if they did supply the medicine, their license would be cancelled."
"This is a dangerous precedent. Under these circumstances, Maharashtra Government will have no choice but to seize the stock of Remdesivir from these exporters and supply it to the needy," he added.
Maharashtra is likely to face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir injections for the next two to three days.
Nawab Malik's response comes a day after state Food and Drug Administration Minister Rajendra Shingane told media persons that companies that manufacture Remdesivir injection have increased their production, but it will take some time for the stock to hit the market.Â
Blaming companies for delay in supply of the much sought-after COVID-19 drug, the state FDA minister said that the heads of Remdesivir-manufacturing firms had assured the state 15 days ago that they supply around 55,000 vials. However, till April 15, these firms only supplied 37,000 to 39,000 vials.
'Such threats are unacceptable'
Hitting back at Nawab Malik, Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the Maharashtra minister's remarks were full of half-truths and lies and the threats issued are unacceptable.
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"He is unaware of the ground situation. GoI has been in active contact with officers of GoM and is assisting with the supply of Remdesivir in every manner. We are doubling the production in the country and have given express permission to more than 20 Plants since 12-4-2021 to manufacturers. Ensuring an adequate supply of Remdesivir to the people of Maharashtra remains our priority."
"As per the Government's record, there is only one unit of EoU and one in SEZ. We have reached out to all the manufacturers of Remdesivir. No such consignment is stuck. I request you to share the list of these 16 companies, availability of stock and WHO-GMP with them. Our Govt is committed to doing everything to help our people," he added.
