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Kerala’s probe into whether expired Remdesivir was given to Nipah patients faces delays due to a potential conflict of interest involving expert panel head Dr Aravind Reghukumar, who previously convened the Nipah Medical Board.
The Kerala Medical Services Corporation will probe the procurement and use of remdesivir in Nipah treatment amid questions over supply records, possible expiry, and handling of medicines in state hospitals.
Kerala plans to procure Natco's legally approved generic spinal muscular atrophy drug, costing eight thousand rupees instead of five lakh twenty thousand, saving millions annually despite political row and safety objections.
Despite past Left agitations for cheap generic medicines, Kerala's expert committee delayed procuring Natco's affordable spinal muscular atrophy drug, instead favoring Roche's expensive alternative amid external pressure and pending regulatory clarification.
To ensure uninterrupted treatment, Health Minister K Muraleedharan issued a circular directing state hospitals to monitor medicine stocks, provide updated availability lists, prescribe generic names, and submit fortnightly laboratory reports.
Kerala plans to partner with other states for joint medicine procurement to reduce costs, prevent shortages, and revise restrictive tender conditions that currently deter smaller pharmaceutical manufacturers from bidding for government hospital contracts.
Philomina, a Keralite nurse, was detained in Saudi Arabia for carrying prohibited medicines, highlighting the severe legal risks overseas workers face when transporting unverified or bulk prescription drugs without prior official clearance.
Kerala’s medical corporation slashed procurement costs for essential drugs like insulin and Risdiplam by bypassing intermediaries and negotiating directly with manufacturers, successfully securing massive public savings and ensuring uninterrupted hospital supplies.
A Bengaluru-based racket sold 15,000 fake antibiotic injection vials nationwide, using imported labels, with sales totalling ₹10 crore in key cities.
Kerala's health minister assured uninterrupted medicine distribution, including life-saving drugs and antibiotics, in government hospitals following a high-level meeting; local purchases are being facilitated where necessary.
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