In a major development, health authorities in Gujarat have initiated inquiry against alleged black-marketing of Tosilizumab injections, that came to light from Surat.
The injections were sold at a higher price without prescription by a pharma shop owner in Surat.
Uma Kejriwal of Sarthak Pharma, reportedly, bought the injection without bill from one Mahendra Shah of New Shanti Medicines in Adajan, Surat. He, in turn, is reported to have procured the injection from ABV Pharma located in Asarwa, where Ahmedabad Civil Hospital is located.
Shah had allegedly procured the injection by depositing the amount in the account of one Ghanshyam Shah, who is reported to be working at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The hospital, however, has denied having employed any person with that name.
Food and Drugs Commissioner Dr H.G. Koshia warned stern action against the accused. On Wednesday, he had appealed to the doctors to use Tosilizumab and Remdesivir injections as per the guidelines issued by the ICMR as there is limited stock in the market.
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said on Thursday that the state government has received 2,220 vials of Tosilizumab and of which 2,083 have been used, free of cost, on patients.
He said that the state government is making efforts towards procuring Tosilizumab in adequate quantities.
According to him, a three-member high-level team of experts has been formed in Surat and the team members would ensure the needy patients get Tosilizumab.
Meanwhile, Gujarat's challenge to control COVID-19 continued, with the state reporting 861 cases—the highest ever single-day figure on Thursday.
In the 24 hours ending at 5pm on Thursday, 861 cases were reported, taking the total number of COVID-19 positive cases to 39,280. Surat, the new epicentre of the virus, reported 212 new cases.
The period also witnessed 15 deaths and the total number of deaths in Gujarat crossed the 2000-mark. The death toll due to COVID-19 stands at 2,010. In Ahmedabad municipal limits, 5 persons lost their lives and in Surat municipal limits, 4 persons died.
Several towns in the state have announced shutting down of shops and establishments earlier than the stipulated timings following increasing number of cases.
In Dahod, which is reporting fresh cases, shops will remain closed for three days. In Palanpur and Deesa in north Gujarat, shops will remain open only till 4pm.
In Vyara, south Gujarat, shops will remain closed from 2pm from Friday. In Surat, several areas shops have been shut.
