Amid Scarcity, Higher Demand, Centre Hikes Allocation of Remdesivir Injections to States

With the prevailing Covid-19 crisis in the country which has led to an acute shortage of oxygen and Remdesivir – a crucial antiviral drug used for the virus’s treatment – the Centre on Saturday increased the allocation of the injections to 19 States/UTs till April 30.

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers D V Sadananda Gowda late on Saturday made the announcement and tweeted the latest list.

Among these, Maharashtra – by far the worst affected – has again been allotted the lion’s share of 4,35,000 does as against the 2,69,200 vials earlier. It was followed by Gujarat with the second-highest allocation of 1,65,000 doses against the 1,63,500 earlier, Uttar Pradesh will now get 1,61,000 doses, up from 1,22,800 vials. Madhya Pradesh is being granted 95,000 doses now instead of the 92,400 vials and badly hit Delhi has been given around 10,000 extra vials to tide over the crunch.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the Maharashtra government is planning to float a global tender for Covid-19 vaccines and Remdesivir injections.

Pawar, who also handles the finance portfolio, Maharashtra used to get 36,000 vials per day earlier, but with its supply coming under central control, the daily supply has come down to 25,000 vials per day.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Gowda for increasing the allocation of Remdesivir and oxygen to the State.

“I thank PM @narendramodi, Home Min @AmitShah & Union Min @DVSadanandGowda for increasing Karnataka’s allocation of Remdesivir from 50,000 to 1,22,000 till Apr 30 & daily oxygen allocation from existing 300 MT to 800 MT as per my request,” he tweeted.

This will strengthen our fight against Covid19,” the Chief Minister tweeted. During the video conference on Friday, the Chief Minister had said the State spent 500 tonnes of oxygen whereas the Centre sent only 300 tonnes, which was insufficient.

Heeding to the request, the Centre increased the slot to 800. The State has said it may require about 1,500 tonnes of oxygen in May.

The health ministry reviewed its earlier allocation after consultation with the states/UTs to ensure all needs can be met within the available supplies.

Several states and UTs have reported an acute shortage of Remdesivir and raised the issue with the Centre.

The Centre had on Wednesday announced that the production capacity of Remdesivir injections is being ramped up from the current level of 38 lakh vials per month to 74 lakh vials per month. It also said that 20 additional manufacturing sites have been approved.

A WhatsApp group comprising nodal officers of states to coordinate an unhindered movement of Remdesivir within the country is also being created. Liaison Officers of Remdesivir manufacturers and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Pharmaceuticals, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will be part of this group for day-to-day monitoring and coordination,” the ministry added.

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