Amid rising demand, DRAP okays import, manufacturing of Remdesivir drug

Amid the rise in demand for Remedesivir drug, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued registration letters for import and manufacturing of Remdesivir used for critically ill patients of COVID-19.

As per spokesman Ministry of National Health Services, approvals are issued to two importers and 14 local manufacturers. The spokesperson said that Remdesivir is approved for emergency use in a special emergency meeting in order to ensure early availability.

As the number of coronavirus patients shoots up in the country, Pakistan is facing a dearth of medicines, earlier, it was reported that there is a risk of the shortage of drug Dexamethasone for COVID-19 patients across the country.

The dug control section of the Health Department took notice of the situation and has directed all pharmacies to ensure the supply of dexamethasone tablets and syrups. As per the notification issued by the department, pharmacies will not sell the drug at rates higher than the price fixed by (Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

For pharmacies and distributors, it has also been directed to keep a record of the purchase and sale of medicines. The drug should be sold only to those who have a prescription from a doctor. The notification said that dexamethasone is a steroid, which has a large number of manufacturers in Pakistan.