BJP Under Fire After Gujarat Leader Offers 'Free Jabs' Of Limited Remdesivir In Surat; Congress, AAP Demand Strict Action

Gujarat unit chief CR Paatil reportedly announced that the party would give 5,000 anti-viral Remdesivir injections free-of-charge to needy patients from its Surat office.

Image Source: CR Paatil/Twitter

Amid several reports of severe shortage of Remdesivir across country, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Gujarat unit chief CR Paatil has courted a controversy after he offered free distribution of the key antiviral drug used for COVID-19 treatment.

According to reports, Paatil announced that the party would give 5,000 anti-viral Remdesivir injections free-of-charge to needy patients from its Surat office.

An office-bearer of the Surat BJP reportedly said, the free distribution the key COVID-19 drug began from the BJP's Surat office on April 10 and nearly 3,000 vials had already been distributed.

It is to be noted that the Remdesivir, which is used to treat critical patients suffering from COVID-19, is sold in hospitals and by pharmacists on prescription by doctor.

The move drew sharp reaction from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party. A group of Congress leaders met Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Monday demanding Patil's arrest for flouting rules and alleged illegal procurement and storage of the medicine.

The  Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the other hand accused the saffron party of doing petty politics over the coronavirus pandemic and trying to use the situation to get popularity and fame at the time when country is running short on medicine.

Meanwhile, India on Sunday prohibited export of Remdesivir injection and Remdesivir active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) till the pandemic situation in the country improves. In order to ensure easy access of hospital and patients to Remdesivir, the government said all domestic manufactures of Remdesivir have been asked to show on their website the details of their stockists and distributors to facilitate access to the drug.