Punjab to check hoarding of Remdesivir, Tocilizumab

CHANDIGARH: Fearing possibility of hoarding and black marketing of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab — drugs approved for treatment of Covid-19 patients — the Punjab food and drug administration has taken steps for monitoring the sale of these two medicines.
The Union health ministry earlier this month accorded approval for emergency use of these two medicines for treating Covid-19 patients. Remdesivir is being used only as an investigational therapy and the Drug Control General India (DCGI) have accorded permission for its manufacturing for restricted emergency use.
The drug is to be supplied for use to the hospitals or institutions only and to be administered on the prescription of a doctor. Two firms have been accorded approval for production of the medicine for domestic use.
In a communication to all the zonal licensing authorities, the Punjab food and drug administration, has directed them to monitor the sale of remdesivir, along with sale of tocilizumab.
Expressing apprehension of stakeholders indulging in malpractices, joint drugs commissioner Pardeep Kumar urged the authorities to keep a strict vigil on the situation and take strong action under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, against those found indulging in any wrongdoing.
The virus is spreading at a great pace in the state infecting 10,100 people and claiming the lives of 254 people. With the increase in the number of people getting infected, there has also been a rise in the number of patients requiring ventilator and oxygen support. According to data from the health department, only three patients required oxygen support, while five were put on ventilators in May. However, during the period from June 1 to July 19, 115 patients required oxygen and 55 needed ventilator support.
Kumar said, “Special teams have been formed to keep a check on sale of these medicines. Chemists and distributors have been warned against indulging in any malpractice and strict action will be taken against those found violating the directions.”
There have been reports of blackmarketing and hoarding of these medicines in other states, including Telangana and Maharashtra. Last week, Rajya Sabha standing committee on home affairs had also flagged concern over blackmarketing and hoarding of these two medicines.