India bans export of Remdesivir amid Covid surge
The Government of India has prohibited the exports of Injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) till the situation improves.
FollowIndia has banned the export of Remdesivir, which is used in the treatment of Covid-19.
The decision comes even as the country grapples with the second wave of Coronavirus.
There has been a shortage of Remdesivir drug in hospitals in many parts of the country.
In an order issued on Sunday, the Centre said: "India is witnessing a recent surge in Covid-19 positive cases. As of April 11, there are 11.08 lakh active Covid cases, and they are steadily rising. This has caused a spike in demand for Remdesivir used to treat Covid patients. There is a potential of a further increase in this demand in the coming days."
"The Government of India has prohibited the exports of Injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) till the situation improves," the order added.
According to reports, the recent surge in cases has resulted in a shortage of Remdesivir in private and government hospitals in Mumbai, Thane, and Abernathy in Maharashtra, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot in Gujarat.
To crack down upon hoarding of the medicine, the Centre also directed drug inspectors and other officers to verify stocks and check malpractices, and also take other effective actions to curb black marketing.
Remdesivir manufacturers have also been asked to highlight details of their stockists and distributors on their website.
