Covid profiteers

Unscrupulous elements, who see every adversity as a business opportunity, are impeding India’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Profiteering, hoarding, manufacturing of substandard products — these malpractices are restricting people’s access to safe and affordable treatment. With anti-viral drug remdesivir emerging as a potential lifesaver, its demand has shot up. Those out to make a quick buck are selling it to customers at rates 3-10 times higher than the MRP, even though pharma majors are trying to enhance the supply while keeping the prices relatively low. Complaints regarding the sale of remdesivir on the black market have prompted the Drugs Controller General of India to ask states and UTs to crack down on the profiteers. The drug, approved for emergency and restricted use to treat Covid patients, is meant to be stocked and administered only by hospitals. However, there are reports that some hospitals, citing shortage, are asking the families of patients to procure the drug on their own. This abdication of responsibility amidst a health crisis should not go unpunished.

The widespread use of hand sanitisers has prompted all sorts of manufacturers to make a beeline for getting the official nod. Here too, irregularities have come to light. Punjab’s ayurveda authorities indiscriminately gave licences to applicants in the past three months, without bothering to verify which formulations were being used. Strict adherence to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, was also given the go-by. The licence of a Jalandhar-based company was cancelled earlier this week after the hand sanitiser produced by it was found containing over 95 per cent methanol, which is mainly used as an industrial solvent and is unsafe for human consumption.

Ranked third globally in terms of coronavirus cases, India finds itself at the crossroads. The immediate priority should be to improve the recovery figures and bring down the mortality rate. In a welcome move, the Centre has directed the domestic manufacturers of remdesivir to upload their stock status, supply and distribution chain details so as to ensure that the drug reaches the needy. Regular monitoring and prompt action by Union and state governments can deter the opportunists.

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