Doctors divided over use but scramble for Remdesivir continues

PHANA president says the helpline set up by the government is of little use

The scramble for Remdesivir, the anti-viral drug used in COVID-19 management, is increasing by the day even as doctors are divided on its use. While a few doctors are of the opinion that not all require this drug, many say it hastens recovery and helps bring down the viral load if given early. With demand exceeding supply, families of patients admitted in private hospitals are under great distress. While the government is supplying the drug to patients admitted under government quota, many hospitals are asking the families of others to procure it on their own. Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) president H.M. Prasanna said that the helpline set up by the government is of little use.