In a concerning revelation, Remdesivir injections with a value exceeding Rs 30 crores have reportedly expired in Pune district. Hemant Sambhus, a prominent leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has accused the public health department of failing to prevent the wastage of these injections, despite the matter being brought to the attention of the director of health services.
Hemant Sambhus, speaking on the matter, stated, “Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the health administration procured around 2.70 lakh vials of Remdesivir injections for the Pune region. Out of this stock, 1.56 lakh vials were utilized, while the remaining 1.13 lakh vials were discarded after crossing the three-year mark. We sought data on Remdesivir vaccine stock for the entire state of Maharashtra, but it was not provided. Considering the gravity of the situation, we have already called for the resignation of the head of the health department and, if necessary, we will take legal action against this.”
It has been suggested that if the health department had taken prompt actions to return or redirect the surplus stock to the manufacturer, substantial savings could have been achieved for the public treasury. The pharmaceutical company, in exchange for the unused Remdesivir vials, could have provided the health department with credit notes or alternative medicines. However, it seems the health department did not take adequate measures in this regard, leading to the wastage of injections valued at 30 crores.
Sambhus further noted that this situation could point towards corruption, indicating that vested interests might have driven the excessive procurement of vaccinations. An investigative committee’s findings reportedly confirmed that a stockpile of 1.13 lakh vials was indeed wasted. Despite this, no substantial actions were taken by the health minister, prompting the need for the chief minister’s intervention. Sambhus emphasized that the MNS party would consider organizing a protest if appropriate action is not initiated promptly.
