‘It’s a nine-step process, but can check black marketing of drug’

LUCKNOW : The nine-step process of procuring amphotericin B injection for the treatment of black fungus is a bit lengthy, but it can check black marketing of the drug, said managements of nursing homes and private hospitals in the city.

“The process is devised to stop black marketing of the injection, which is important for the treatment of black fungus. We are going to follow the directives of the government. But the process could have been shortened,” opined Dr Mayank Somany, CEO of Apollo Hospital.

Dr Rakesh Kapoor, director, Medanta Lucknow, said: “We must understand that amphotericin B is not an ordinary drug. It’s necessary to regulate its sale during tough times. This injection cannot be administered at home; it has to be administered in the presence of experts. So, the regulations are justified but the process could be made simpler.”

“Nursing homes are feeling the heat. But, everyone agrees to check black marketing of medicines used in the treatment of black fungus. If the process of procuring the medicine is simple, it would be easier for patients and nursing homes too,” said owner of another nursing home in Aliganj.

Nodal officer of the 12-member committee of doctors on Covid cases associated with mucormycosis (CAM), Professor Amit Keshri said, “Government guidelines for private hospitals are carefully drafted. Medicines used in the treatment of black fungus have short expiry, so they are produced in small quantities. Now when the cases are rising, there has to be a system in place to check black marketing.”

“At present, around 100 patients of black fungus are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. The KGMU has maximum of them while the PGI has 19 and rest of them are in other government and private hospitals. We can save lives if we are able to provide them proper medicine, which we are acquiring in sufficient quantity,” said Professor Keshri.