Expedite procedures to import Remdesivir: HC to Maharashtra govt

NAGPUR: In view of Remdesivir's acute shortage across Maharashtra, the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Saturday directed all authorities to expedite steps for importing it.
“We direct all the authorities who would be involved in granting import marketing permission (under Rule 23 of NDCT Rules), registration certificate (under rule 27A of Drug Rules, 1945) and import license (under Rule 23 of Drug Rules, 1945) to expeditiously grant the requisite permission, registration certificate and license, in accordance with law,” a division bench comprising justices Sunil Shukre and Avinash Gharote said.
In last hearing of a suo motu PIL on April 27, based on TOI report where Shreerang Bhandarkar was appointed as amicus curiae, the HC had asked centre to grant permission for importing the lifesaving drug to the Maharashtra government based on a letter by its health department chief secretary. The judges had requested assistant solicitor general (ASGI) Ulhas Aurangabadkar to seek instructions in this regard.
On Saturday, the ASGI furnished a copy of April 22 communication from Rajesh Bhushan working with the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare to the chief secretary. He informed that for importing any drug three compliances are needed -- (i) Import marketing permission, (ii) Registration certificate and (iii) Import license.
“It’s now clear that once these compliances are obtained, the Remdesivir’s import would become possible instantly and no further documents/permissions would be required,” the judges said.
While flaying the chief secretary, they added that though he had received Bhushan’s letter before April 27, he failed to convey to HC adequately and appropriately.
“We must mention this with regret. We had stated about the fundamental duty of the officials, the institutions and citizens of India under Article 21 of Constitution to save Covid patients’ lives. We had also clarified that the state through its officers must rise to the occasion. We direct the secretary to obtain all compliances as per April 22 communication from the union ministry,” the bench said.
CIL told to donate Rs 11.88 cr for Covid hospitals
The HC directed Coal India Limited (CIL), to hold its emergency meeting and approve Western Coalfields Limited's (WCL) proposal to provide Rs 11.88 crore under corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds by May 4 for installing oxygen generation plants at various Covid hospitals like GMCH, IGGMCH and AIIMS.
Earlier, as per HC directives, WCL informed that it had handed over the cheque of Rs 2.05 crore to collector Ravindra Thakare for the same purpose.
“We direct the collector to take immediate steps for utilizing WCL funds for setting up oxygen plants at the Covid hospitals providing free treatment at his discretion. We must make an endeavour to see that these plants are made functional as far as possible within 20 to 25 days,” the justices said.