In Maharashtra, the number of coronavirus patients has been increasing rapidly in the state since mid-February this year. Ten thousand new patients are being added every day. At present, there are over ninety-eight thousand active patients in the state.

Remdesivir injection has been found to be effective in the treatment of patients with Covid 19 disease and has been widely used in the state. But the last few months have seen a decline in demand for Remdesivir injections. 

From February 2021, the selling price of remdesivir to the hospital's and wholesalers was reduced by the concerned authorities. But the printed sales price was not reduced. Therefore, many retailers are selling remdesivir with maximum profit margin. As the patients are not getting the benefit of the reduced price, they are being charged according to the printed sale price, which is causing an unnecessary financial burden to the customers.

In this regard, Food and Drug Administration Minister Dr Rajendra Shingane and Secretary, Saurabh Vijay, Department of Medical Education and Drugs, ordered the action. Steps are being taken to reduce the difference between the selling prices of Remedesivir injections manufacturers and the actual price charged to the patients.

The administration has submitted a detailed report to the government in this regard and the government has proposed to instruct the hospitals to charge a maximum of 30% more on the purchase prices of the Remdesivir injections.