NT NETWORK

Panaji

Amidst the news of shortage of life-saving drugs in neighbouring Maharashtra, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday issued directions to officials to maintain sufficient stock of anti-viral drug Remdesivir for the state.

“In my interaction with FDA director Jyoti Sardessai, I have instructed them to maintain sufficient inventory of anti-viral drug, Remdesivir. Manufacturing agencies are directed to keep stock of 5000 units of Remdesivir to ensure we are equipped and people of the state do not suffer,” Rane tweeted.

The dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital, Dr S M Bandekar said that currently there is no shortage of Remdesivir at the state-run COVID facilities.

“We have adequate stock of Remdesivir to meet the present requirement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister said that additional staff from GMC will be pressed
into service at South Goa District Hospital (SGDH), Margao to treat the COVID positive patients.

He said that the government will provide bus shuttle service for senior consultants and doctors to and from GMC.

Rane informed that ambulances will also be stationed at ESI Hospital and at SGDH to ferry the patients in case if they are referred for CT scan or any other major diagnostic tests.

On Monday, afternoon, Rane held a review meeting with officials from the health department and Dr S M Bandekar to review arrangements at SGDH which is being converted as a major COVID facility in the state.

“I have instructed them (officials) to see that all primary and community health centers are equipped with sufficient protective gears so as to ensure optimum safety while they (doctors and other
healthcare workers) interact with patients,” the Health Minister tweeted.

He said that the team of the health department is working towards ensuring that the health system is equipped and are able to manage rising cases in the state.