Remdesivir Drug Not Meant For Covid Treatment At Home: NITI Aayog

Remdesivir should be given only to serious COVID-19 patients in hospitals and is not to be used in home settings, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul said.

The Centre today said that doctors should ensure "rational and judicious" use of anti-viral drug Remdesivir, underlining it is to be given only to serious COVID-19 patients in hospitals and is not to be used in home settings. NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul said: "Remdesivir is to be used only in those who require hospitalisation and are on oxygen support. That is the precondition. There is no question of its use in the home setting and for mild cases, and it is not to be procured from chemist shops." Remdesivir is listed for use in serious COVID-19 patients in the Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19 as an investigational therapy. As the shortage of Remdesivir was reported in some areas, its export was banned and the medicine is available in plenty, MrPaul said, adding that "queuing outside chemist shops to procure Remdesivir is creating distortions".