Individuals, Private Companies Should Not Sell Remdesivir Directly To Citizens, Says Bombay HC
Amid the continuing shortage of Remdesivir and accusations of hoarding and distribution of them for political gains, the Bombay High Court has warned individuals and private companies against selling Remdesivir vials to citizens directly.
The high court bench led by Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni was hearing a petition by some residents of Ahmednagar, alleging that Ahmednagar BJP MP Sujay Vikhe Patil, allegedly indulged in unauthorized procurement and distribution of 10,000 Remdesivir injections. The plea had sought the registration of an FIR against the MP.
"There was a news report that a political personality distributed 10,000 vials. How was that possible? When people are running from pillar to post when Delhi is itself in need. How could he airlift?" Justice Kulkarni asked.
Past controversies over drug
Earlier this month, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also accused of hoarding the key vitals while thousands were struggling to find them in the market.
Fadnavis had admitted that BJP leaders had contacted Bruck Pharma to supply the stock to Maharashtra as the state is facing a shortage of Remdesivir vials.
BJP which denied the allegations of hoarding, claimed that the party had procured the doses after getting approval from the Maharashtra FDA. The minister in charge of FDA, Rajendra Shingne however said that no such approval was given to the BJP.
It is not just Patil and Fadnavis that are facing accusations of hoarding essential medicines. Delhi BJP MP Gautam Gambhir had courted controversy after he announced that people of East Delhi could get Fabiflu for free from his residence on producing their Aadhaar card and the doctor¡¯s prescription.
