Government steps in to address shortage of Mucormycosis drug

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 19

With a manifold increase in demand for Amphotericin-B, which is used in the cure of the deadly Mucormycosis, the Chemical and Fertilisers Ministry has stepped in to ensure its ample supply, including imports besides ramping up domestic production.

The Union Chemical and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya took a meeting to review the requirement and supply position of the drug on Tuesday.

During the meeting, measures were outlined concerning governmental interventions to deal with the developing situation.

The officials briefed Mandaviya of the surge in demand for the medicine. The demand trajectory was sudden and loaded. Hence, the pressing need to fill in the supply chain.

During the meeting, Mandaviya informed that the government has prepared efficient distribution and supply chain management of Amphotericin B.

"The shortage is expected to get resolved at the earliest," a Ministry official associated with the meeting said.

Following the meeting, Mandaviya urged States/UTs to use this drug judiciously by strictly following the prescribed guidelines. A communication from the Ministry will be sent to them in the matter soon.