Make antiviral drug Remdesivir available like paracetamol: Gujarat High Court

The Gujarat High Court on Monday pulled up the state govt over the shortage of antiviral drug Remdesivir which is being used to treat Covid-19 patients. The court ordered the Gujarat govt to make the medicine available to all, like Paracetamol, amid the surge in Covid-19 cases.

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The judges said they want results instead of getting into a blamegame over people's behaviour, production or medicine stocks. The court took cognisance of a PIL which demanded action against people hoarding the medicines or selling them at inflated prices.

The judges rejected the state government’s claims that doctors prescribe indiscriminately, though it is a drug meant to be administered only in emergencies. The judges also commented that when injections are available for VIPs, common people shouldn't have to have in queue to get it. The Gujarat govt has been asked to keep proper account of the stock.

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