CHENNAI: Even as there is a spurt in fever cases in many States, including Tamil Nadu, pharmacists say a temporary shortage of paracetamol tablets is likely as the cost of raw material, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, imported from China, has hiked due to increase in dollar price.
Meanwhile, a few government pharmacists alleged that already there was a shortage of paracetamol in many of government hospitals in the State and Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) had issued No Objection Certificate (NOC) for local purchase.
However, health department officials denied the allegations. Speaking to Express, P Umanath , Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation said, “Its a national problem, but as of now there is no shortage in Tamil Nadu warehouses. Usually, we will maintain two to three months stock. But, as of today we have stock sufficient for 33 days. In fact, many States have given NOC, but Tamil Nadu did not give as there is no problem as of now,” he added.
“For most of the raw materials we are depending on China and importing them, but the raw material cost has gone very high because of increase in dollar price. Because of this, we are not able to buy and give the drugs for the same price. The National Pharmaceutical Price Authority (NPPA) is the price-fixing authority, so we cannot increase the price of the drug to meet our cost."
"So, NPPA should do something about it,” said J Jayaseelan, chairman, Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
Meanwhile, a senior doctor at a government hospital said, “There is enough paracetamol and Tamiflu tablets. There is also enough swine flu vaccine. There is no shortage as of now,” the doctor added.