Remdesivir production to be ramped up to 78 lakh, prices to be cut: Govt

Amid experiences of scarcity of Remdesivir in numerous elements of the nation as Covid-19 scenario deteriorates, the federal government has given approval for stepping up the manufacturing capability of the drug. According to an announcement issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Remdesivir production will be enhanced to round 78 lakh vials monthly. 

The present complete put in capability of the seven producers of remdesivir is 38.80 lakh vials monthly. Remdesivir is an injectable drug used for Covid-19 therapy. The drug is flying off the cabinets in a number of states.

“Fast-track approval has been given for seven additional sites having the production capacity of 10 lakh vials/month to six manufacturers. Another 30 lakh vials/month production is lined up. This would ramp up the production capacity for manufacturing to around 78 lakh vials/month,” the ministry stated.

The resolution was taken at a evaluate assembly between Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya and producers of the drug and different stakeholders. Mandaviya requested the producers to enhance production/provide and cut back prices of remdesivir.

READ MORE: India bans export of remdesivir until COVID scenario improves

As a further measure, remdesivir, lively pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and formulation had been positioned underneath export ban on April 11, 2021 by Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to enhance the availability of remdesivir within the home market, the ministry stated.

On authorities intervention, it stated that remdesivir provides of roughly 4 lakh vials, meant for exports, are being diverted by producers to fulfil home necessities, it added.

 
Export oriented models (EOU)/particular financial zone (SEZ) models are additionally being “enabled to supply to the domestic market”, the assertion stated.

Manufacturers of remdesivir have volunteered to cut back the worth to lower than Rs 3,500 per vial by the tip of this week, to assist the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to battle towards COVID, it added.

“Manufacturers of remdesivir have been directed to give priority to fulfil hospital/institutional level supplies. Enforcement authorities of states and central government have been directed by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to take immediate action on incidence of black-marketing, hoarding and overcharging of remdesivir,” the ministry stated.

It additionally stated the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is repeatedly monitoring the supply of the drug.

With PTI Inputs 

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