Govt Plans national stockpile of life-saving drugs

Source: TOI

What is the News?

The Government of India is in discussions with the pharma and medical devices industry to create a “National Stockpile of Life Saving Drugs and Vital Equipment” to combat the third Covid wave.

What is the current system of Life Saving Drugs Storage?

• Currently, the government is undertaking only a weekly review of the status of drug availability.
• It is also tracking the manufacturing of the black fungus drug named Amphotericin B.

Why is there a need for a National Stockpile of Life Saving Drugs?

• The National Stockpile of Life Saving Drugs is needed to prevent the massive shortages of critical drugs like Remdesivir and devices like oxygenators and pulse oximeters as witnessed during the second Covid wave.
• The stockpile will also help the country in combating the upcoming third Covid-19 wave, fuelled by the emergence of the Delta-plus variant.
• Moreover, it will also help companies to plan and manage inventory to strengthen supply chains and resolve glitches in the manufacturing of raw materials.

How should the National Stockpile work?

• The Government of India can consider creating a stockpile of 25-30% of annual national demand and warehouse, in the four geographical zones.
• The drugs and the vital equipment selected should be particularly the ones that have limited domestic and international availability and need longer lead times.