Maharashtra minister alleges Modi Govt has asked export companies not to supply remdesivir to state

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik on Saturday claimed that the Centre has asked export companies not to supply anti-viral drug remdesivir to the state.

“It is sad and shocking that when Government of Maharashtra asked the 16 export companies for remdesivir, we were told that Central Government has asked them not to supply the medicine to Maharashtra. These companies were warned, if they did, their license will be cancelled, tweeted Nawab Malik on Saturday.

He currently holds the ministries of Minority Development, Aukaf, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship ministry of Maharashtra

“This is a dangerous precedent and under these circumstances, Maharashtra Government will have no choice but to seize the stock of Remdesivir from these exporters and supply it to the needy,” wrote Malik on Twitter

“There are 16 export oriented units in our country that have 20 Lakh vials of Remdesivir, since exports are now banned by the government, these units are seeking permission to sell this medicine in our country but central government is denying the same.”

“The government says it should be sold only through 7 companies that are producing it. These 7 companies are refusing to take responsibility. This is a decision making crisis,” Malik said in a series of tweets.

“While there is a requirement of this medicine and availability too, a quick decision is the need of the hour. This problem must be solved and the vials must be supplied to government hospitals in all states immediately,” he added.