CENTRE ISSUES ADVISORY FOR RATIONAL USE OF REMDESIVIR

The Union health ministry on Monday issued an advisory for rational use of antiviral drug remdesivir in treating Covid-19, underlining that the drug must be advised by senior faculty members directly involved in the patient’s care.

“If remdesivir has to be advised/ ordered during odd hours, it should be done by the duty doctor after telephonic consultation with a senior faculty member/ specialist/ unit in charge. Advise/order for remdesivir must be written and bear the name, signature and stamp of concerned doctor,” said the advisory. India has allowed use of remdesivir only in select moderate to severe hospitalised patients. According to advisory, every hospital needs to set up a special drug committee (SDC) to review the use of remdesivir.