Ahmedabad staring Remdesivir shortage in the face

AHMEDABAD: Remdesivir, an antiviral administered to the Covid-19 patients in ICUs, is reported to be in short supply in the city and state. The medical organizations are going to make a representation before the state government and drug manufacturers in this regard.


Dr Bharat Gadhvi, president of Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA), said that Remdesivir is one of the two antivirals – the other being Favipiravir – used in the Covid-19 treatment.

“Remdesivir, however, is more in demand as it’s generally administered to the patients in ICUs,” Dr Gadhvi said.

“For the past few days, it’s been difficult to get hold of the drug. When we approached the major dealers, we got to know that the next stock would take at least a week to arrive. We would be making representations to various fora to make the drug available,” added Dr Gadhvi.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in mid-June included the medicine in the treatment protocol for Covid-19 in India. Globally, the medicine is used for management of patients with severe symptoms, said experts. While two Indian manufacturers have licenses, supply will take some time, they added.

Ankur Aggarwal, director of pharmacy chain Medkart, confirmed the shortage. “The stock of Remdesivir is low. If one asks for the drug over the counter with prescription, it’s difficult to find and the shortage might be addressed within a week with a new supply,” he said, adding, “Other Covid-19 treatment drugs, however, are well in stock.”

Sources in the pharmacy sector said that one of the reasons for the shortage is the first claim of the government to the drug. “Several hospitals are stocking it and thus, the demand is high. But like in the case of Tocilizumab, it can be stabilized after a surge,” said a city-based dealer.

The phenomenon, however, has resulted in profiteering by a few, doctors say. “We have come to know that some persons import the Bangladesh-manufactured Bemsivir and are selling it two-three times the printed price. We, however, discourage the practice,” said a city-based intensivist.