Black Fungus Crisis: Karnataka Dy CM Says Acute Shortage Of Vaccine, But Centre Denies Claim

With about 1,400 cases, Karnataka is facing an uphill task to manage Black Fungus as the state Deputy CM CN Ashwathnarayan claimed that there is a shortfall of the drug that treats the fungal infection

Amphotericin B

Bengaluru: With about 1,400 cases, Karnataka is facing an uphill task to manage Black Fungus as the state Deputy CM CN Ashwathnarayan claimed that there is a shortfall of the drug that treats the fungal infection. Karnataka Deputy CM on Saturday said that there is a shortage of Liposomal Amphotericin vials despite The Centre supplying 20,000 vials. The vials allocated to the state by the Centre are not sufficient added the state Deputy CM.

We are working to ensure supply is more than demand. We have shortage of Liposomal Amphotericin vials. The Centre has already supplied us with over 20,000 vials, which is not sufficient. Probably over time, demand for the medicine will be addressed: Karnataka Deputy CM

— ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2021

But on a contrary, the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers, Sadananda Gowda said that the state is not falling short of black fungus drugs after yesterday's allocation.

I don't think after yesterday's allocation there is any shortage: Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Sadananda Gowda on shortage of Amphotericin B injections in Karnataka pic.twitter.com/CsZPYI1Hzb

— ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2021

These statements come in the background of Karnataka High Court direction to both state and central government to ensure that there shouldn't be a shortage of drug to treat Black Fungus. The court also noted in the order that there was an acute shortage of the vials. The Additional Solicitor General of India MB Nargund said that the allocation of drugs is totally dependent upon the imports. 

The Court also directed that the state government should place the details of black fungus cases in the state during the next hearing which is on June 10.