Amid key drugs shortage, J&K does not figure in GoI’s interim allocation list of Tocilizumab

SRINAGAR — As relatives of COVID-19 patients continue to report shortage of key drugs like Remdesivir, Jammu and Kashmir does not figure in the interim allocation list of Tocilizumab injections for States and UTs.

Remdesivir is primarily meant for moderately, severely ill Covid patients while tocilizumab is given to those who are severely, critically ill.

Even as the officials claim enough supply stock position of the key drugs, reports continue to pour in regarding their non-availability in the Valley’s hospitals and pharmacies.

A doctor on the condition of anonymity said that there is already shortage of Tocilizumab and it was surprising that J&K does not figure in the interim allocation list.

“It seems that Central government has not been conveyed about the demand of the Tocilizumab by the concerned authorities,” the doctor said and urged the concerned functionaries to express the concerns and ensure adequate supplies amid rising COVID-19 cases.

A number of doctors working in COVID-19 designated facilities said that both Remdesivir and Toclizumab have been found to be effective in many cases. “We tried to avoid prescribing Remdesivir and Toclizumab injections but other drugs were not found as effective as these two are,” they said, adding, “We have raised the issue with the concerned authorities.”

The doctors said that the relatives of the patients have been continuously reporting that it was very hard for them to manage the drug from market owing to shortage. Whether there is shortage and such situation is being created by the unscrupulous elements, it needs to be immediately checked by the government and action as warranted needs to be taken on both counts, they said.

The Drug Controller General of India has designated Remdesivir as an institutional supply only drug in view of the emerging Covid situation and a quota of 10,500 vials per week has been fixed for J&K by GoI, at present, officials said.

However, doctors said that the quota may also be required to get enhanced in view of the emerging “grim situation.”