Amid several reports of shortage of Remdesivir drug across the country, a large quantity of Remdesivir injections were stolen from the stock of the government-run Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday.
As per reports, about 17 boxes of Remdesivir have been stolen. One box contains 48 injections. Hence, around 850 Remdesivir injections were stolen from Hamidia Hospital. An FIR has been registered in the matter and police officials have swung into action to investigate the case.
According to news agency PTI, MP Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang informed the media, "I have received the information about the theft of the injections. This is a very serious matter. Divisional Commissioner Kavindra Kiyawat and Bhopal Deputy Inspector General of Police Irshad Wali have reached the spot and started investigations."
While Vishwas Sarang reached the Hamidia Hospital to take stock of the situation, police officials assured that the culprits will soon be caught.
The horrific incident has come amid the shortage of Remdesivir following an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Earlier on April 11, the Centre prohibited exports of injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) till the covid situation in the country improves while initiating various steps to ensure easy access of the anti-viral drug to patients and hospitals.
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Earlier today, the central government slashed prices of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir by nearly Rs 2,000 per injection. Remdesivir will now be sold for as less as Rs 899, as per the new list.