Doctors divided over use but scramble for Remdesivir continues
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The scramble for Remdesivir, the anti-viral drug utilized in COVID-19 administration, is growing by the day at the same time as medical doctors are divided on its use. While a number of medical doctors are of the opinion that not all require this drug, many say it hastens restoration and helps carry down the viral load if given early.
With demand exceeding provide, households of sufferers admitted in personal hospitals are underneath nice misery. While the federal government is supplying the drug to sufferers admitted underneath authorities quota, many hospitals are asking the households of others to obtain it on their very own.
Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) president H.M. Prasanna stated that the helpline arrange by the federal government is of little use.
C.N. Manjunath, nodal officer for labs and testing within the State’s COVID-19 process pressure, stated almost 85% of optimistic sufferers don’t require Remdesivir. Pointing out that the drug helps in lowering viral load, he stated there may be quicker medical enchancment and hospital keep can also be decreased. “But there is no mortality benefit. According to treatment guidelines, this drug is not advisable for mild cases. However, there is a growing feeling among people that every patient needs this. Most doctors are prescribing this due to pressure from patient families,” Dr. Manjunath stated.
Consultant pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals Ravindra Mehta, who’s a part of the State’s COVID-19 knowledgeable committee, stated panic is pointless as not all require this injection. “Only those with moderate and severe infection wherein the oxygen saturation drops below 93 within the first nine days of illness are eligible for Remdesivir. It is only an add-on therapy and can help in improving the patient’s condition. While the WHO says it does not impact mortality, previous literature has shown that it can hasten recovery and reduce hospital stay,” he stated. The demand might be decreased whether it is given to solely those that require it, he added.
Health and Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar stated the warfare room with helpline (8951755722) arrange for Remdesivir and oxygen provide is now being scaled up with as much as 50 workers and can function 24/7 in three shifts.
Guidelines for use
“The Union Health Ministry in association with AIIMS and ICMR has formulated new guidelines for clinical management of COVID-19 patients. These guidelines recommend usage of Remdesivir only in certain cases and stage of severity. To create awareness, we have conducted an online workshop for all doctors through RGUHS. I urge all doctors to go through these guidelines and avoid indiscriminate prescription and use of Remdesivir,” the Minister added.
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