As black fungus cases spike, drug shortage adds to panic in Malwa

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As black fungus cases spike,

Malwa runs out of drug

BQ

Hints at hoarding, black marketing

It’s a matter of grave concern and hints at hoarding and black marketing of medicines in high demand. We will intensify vigil and whosoever is found violating norms will be dealt with strictly

An official, drugs control authority

Sameer Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, May 19

Amid rising cases of black fungus infection (mucormycosis) in Covid patients, the drug (liposomal amphotericin injection) required to treat it has gone out of stock in Malwa district.

With black fungus spreading its tentacles in the hinterland, the worries of the health department have increased manifold as Covid patients with low immunity are more vulnerable to get infected with the disease.

Family members of a Covid patient infected with black fungus, who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bathinda, ran from pillar to post on Tuesday to buy the injection, but in vain. They later approached district health officials, requesting them to provide the medicine at the earliest.

Talking to The Tribune, Amandeep Verma, Zonal Licensing Authority for Drugs (Malwa), said: “Amphotericin injection is currently not available in any of the private or government-run hospitals or chemist shops in Malwa region. We have written to higher authorities to supply the drug at the earliest. There has been a sudden increase in demand for the drug after black fungus cases started surfacing lately. As and when we will get the supply, the drug will be provided to patients.”

Doctors say Covid patients who suffer from diabetes or remain on oxygen support and those who are administered excessive steroids are more vulnerable to the infection. “If not treated in time, patients can even die,” a doctor said. The infection is learnt to have added to the mortality rate of Covid patients lately.

An official of the drugs control authority said: “Earlier, remdesivir disappeared from the market and now amphotericin is not available. It’s a matter of grave concern and hints at hoarding and black marketing of medicines in high demand.”

Warning against such malpractices, he said: “We will intensify vigil and whosoever is found violating norms will be dealt with strictly.”

Bathinda Civil Surgeon Dr Tejwant Singh Dhillon said: “Amphotericin is not available at present and we have informed the higher authorities. As and when it’s made available, it will be used to treat patients.”