Bringing huge relief for lakhs of COVID-19 patients, the government has slashed the prices of the ‘life-saver’ Remdesivir injection by nearly 50 per cent, to MRP ₹2,450 per injection now, according to official sources.
The Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Department of Pharmaceuticals, NPPA – Advisor (Costs) N.I. Chowdhury has ordered all pharma companies to comply with the revised norms with immediate and retrospective effect on Friday.
“Based on the Form-V furnished regarding voluntary reduction in Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Remdesivir, Manufacturers/Marketers of the Remdesivir are hereby directed to implement the revised MRP throughout the distribution chain w.e.f. 15.04.2021, irrespective of the batch numbers,” the stern notification said.
The decision came barely a day after a Maharashtra Barrister Vinod Tiwari demanded that the Centre should immediately bring Remdesivir under the DPCO regime in view of its alleged shortages, black marketing and corruption to the tune of over ₹25,000-crore as the injection is in huge demand in ongoing Covid pandemic second wave.
Welcoming the Centre’s move, Barrister Tiwari said that it is good that the government has realised the agony of the millions struggling to get Remdesivir and are compelled to cough out huge amounts from the black markets.
“Now, with the MRP slashed to half and even lesser by some of the companies, people can breathe easy. It will also leash the pharma sector from exploiting the gullible masses in this critical time,” a victorious Barrister Tiwari told a news agency.
Surjitt Sahani
