Cops tracking source of black fungus drug
Is med. reaching black market from hosps, cops wonder
Special Operations Team (SOT) of the Rachakonda police cracked around eight cases of illegally selling amphotericin B injection vials and around 50 cases of remdesivir.
Although medicines for black fungus are supplied by the government, some unscrupulous elements are getting hands on it and selling them for exorbitant prices. The Rachakonda police launched an investigation into the scam and the alleged nexus between hospital authorities and black marketers.
As per the procedure, the patient, who is suffering from black fungus infection, has to place a request with the government seeking medicines. The request, after examination of a team of doctors in a private hospital, is forwarded to the medical department along with identity proofs.
Then the department gives approval and issues medicines to the patient. During the delivery of medicine to patients, or by placing fake requests, fraudsters are managing to divert the medicines and sell them at high prices in black market.
In some cases, SOT police has arrested doctors, nurses and some medical representatives.
The SOT Bhongir, along with the LB Nagar police, apprehended a junior doctor and a staff nurse who came to sell amphotericin B Liposome injections. In another case, the SOT Malkajgiriarrested two persons including an advocate in connection with the black marketing of amphotericin B.
On Monday, the SOT LB Nagar busted another illegal sale of amphotericin B Liposome and arrested two brothers who were involved in the scam.
“It is impossible to pull off the scam without the help of medical staff. Medical representatives after colluding with black marketers are taking advantage of the pandemic and encashing by selling the injection used in the treatment of black fungus at exorbitant prices. We are investigating the nexus between the medical representatives and black-marketers,” said a Rachakonda police official.
Amphotericin B Liposome injection is being used to treat black fungal infections. The antiviral drug is currently in high demand which leads to shortage of the drug.
The drug normally does not cost more than `7,858, depending on the manufacturer. However, black marketers are selling the injections for `50,000`70,000.
Speaking to this newspaper, Rachakonda police commissioner Mahesh M. Bhagwat said, “The patients who are suffering from black fungus have to undergo treatment in government hospitals like the ENT and Gandhi Hospital rather than going to private hospitals.” Bhagwat added that there were many cases of fraudsters duping patients under the guise of providing medicines. “Every day, a patient suffering from black fungus requires six injections and black marketers are selling each injection at prices ranging from
`40,000-`70,000,” said Bhagwat.
He urged the public to reach out to the police immediately if they were duped by fraudsters through Rachakonda police WhatsApp number 9490617111 or through official social media handles.