The Mumbai Police, along with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), raided two locations in the city on Monday, recovering 2,200 vials of Remdesivir, the life-saving drug required for the treatment of coronavirus among some patients. This drug is currently in high demand given that COVID-19 cases have experienced a huge spike over the past couple of months.
Around 2,000 vials were confiscated from an exporter in Marol (Andheri East), while an additional 200 vials were seized near New Marine Lines.
“These 2200 Remdesivir vials were produced for export but were kept stocked by the exporters as there is a ban on the export of Remdesivir. FDA officials are following due procedure to make these vials available to hospitals,” a Mumbai Police spokesperson said to ANI.
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This news is particularly concerning given that several states across the country have reported at least some shortage of the drug. Although it’s worth pointing out that Indian pharma manufacturers have ramped up the production capacity of remdesivir to meet current and future demand.
The supply of the drug has led to a political tug-of-war with both sides blaming the other for the shortfall. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government has alleged BJP leader and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of hoarding remdesivir, while BJP has issued a counter-accusation against the state of engaging in “childish politics.”
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Maharashtra FDA Minister, Rajendra Shingne said that the state is witnessing a shortage of around 18,000 to 20,000 vials of Remdesivir each day.
“We need at least 60,000 doses of Remdesivir daily and are currently facing a shortage of 18,000 to 20,000 doses daily. Our problem is the number of patients is increasing daily,” he added.
Meanwhile, the state health minister, Rajesh Tope has said that the situation is likely to improve over the coming days. “Five companies are producing Remdesivir injections and their production is being ramped up. In addition, we will give pharmaceutical companies in Maharashtra the permission to sub-contract the production of this injection,” Tope went on to say.
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