THRISSUR: Even as the number of H1N1 cases has increased in the recent past, the availability of tablets, especially Oseltamivir (commonly known as Tamiflu) for treating H1N1 and viral influenza diseases, in all the pharmaceutical shops across the state has fallen short.Patients are forced to hop in and out of medical shops to check the availability of medicines. Earlier the tablets were supplied to only few and not all pharmacies were allowed to stock the tablets. As the number of cases increased, the government changed the class of the tablet from Schedule X to Schedule H1.
“Considering the importance of the tablet it has been changed to schedule H1 allowing all the medical shops to keep stock of the tablets,” said P M Jayan, assistant drug controller. “This change was brought two months back and was informed to all pharmacies. However, the stock of medicine might be comparatively low considering the demand and the supply ratio due to the outbreak of the diseases. But, the company has ensured it will reach out to all retails and wholesale shops.”
“Even though the doctor prescribed the tablet, it was not available in many medical shops,” said Kunhi Kannan, a resident of Kannur. “I could only buy the medicine after a frantic search. However, the cost of the tablet was high. They charged Rs 35 per tablet and did not even give a receipt.”
Rashmi, whose daughter is under treatment at a private hospital, said she had to go into several medical shops, before getting the tablet.
A few also complained high rates were charged as the tablet was not available. The tablet was sold at a rate as high as Rs 40.Manoj, in charge of supplying the medicines from Cipla across the state, said, “There had been a shortage of medicine in the last three months.” “However, in a week, the company has supplied 10,000 strips to many medical shops in the state. There is a demand for about 20,000 strips and will be made available soon. Retailers need to be aware of this.”
All Kerala Chemist and Drugs Association, president A N Mohan said, “The owners are apprehensive about the prices of the tablets due to GST.” “There is no clear idea about the class these tablets have been listed and the retailers themselves are confused. As the outbreak was sudden and the manufacturers did not have enough medicines to supply. Usually, the shops keep stocks of medicine depending on the requirement of medicine and its demand. Likewise, many shops are aware they can now stock the tablets after taking licence for it. The association will create an awareness on this so that medicines are soon available.”
Spurt in dengue cases in Kozhikode
Kozhikode: The district witnessed a sudden spurt in dengue cases triggering a fresh wave of scare among the denizens. While the district was reporting around 20 confirmed cases of dengue per day, the number doubled on Saturday. Most cases of dengue were reported from Thalakalathur (8) and followed by Chelannur (6) and Kolatthara (4). A total of 1,761 fever cases were reported in the district on Saturday.
Sounding the alarm
Considering the demand and the supply ratio due to the outbreak of the diseases, stock of medicines is comparatively low
In a week, the company has supplied 10,000 strips to many medical shops. More will be made available soon