New Delhi (NVI): In the backdrop of surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasised the need to utilize the full potential of India’s pharmaceutical industry to meet the rising demand of various medicines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the status of preparedness to handle the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Various aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed.
During the meeting, Modi said that together India had defeated Covid last year and India can do it again, with the same principles but faster speed and coordination.
“PM spoke about the need to utilize the full potential of India’s pharmaceutical industry to meet the rising demand of various medicines. He reviewed the status of supply of Remdesivir and other medicines,” statement from PMO said.
Modi stressed that there is no substitute to testing, tracking and treatment. Early testing and proper tracking remains key to reduce mortality.
He also said that local administrations need to be proactive and sensitive to people’s concerns.
He directed that close coordination with States must be ensured in handling the pandemic saying that all necessary measures must be taken to ramp up the availability of hospital beds for Covid patients.
He also directed that additional supply of beds through temporary hospitals and isolation centres should be ensured.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister was briefed on actions taken to address the issue of availability of Remdesivir. Through the efforts of the Government, capacity and production augmentation for manufacturing of Remdesivir has been ramped up to provide around 74.10 lakh vials/month in May while the normal production output in January-February being just 27-29 lakh vials/month.
Supplies have also increased from 67,900 vials on 11th April going up to over 2,06,000 vials on 15th April 2021 which are being particularly focused on states with high caseload and high demand.
He took note of the ramped up production capacity, and directed that issues relating to real-time supply chain management to States must be resolved urgently in coordination with the States.
He directed that use of Remdesivir and other medicines must be in accordance with approved medical guidelines, and that their misuse and black marketing must be strictly curbed.
On the issue of supply of medical oxygen, PM directed that the installation of approved medical oxygen plants should be sped up.
The Prime Minister also reviewed the status of availability & supply of ventilators.
He noted that a real time monitoring system has been created, and directed that concerned state governments should be sensitized to use the system proactively.
–PRT
