As many as 63,729 new COVID-19 cases and 398 deaths were reported in Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases in the state to 6,38,034, the state health department informed on Friday. Amid the surge in covid cases in the state, patients are struggling to find beds in hospitals also there is shortage of Remdesivir injection used to treat covid patients. Relatives of COVID-19 patients in Pune on Thursday staged sit-in protest outside Collector's office demanding the supply of anti-viral drug Remdesivir, also used for the treatment of coronavirus.
Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik has made a serious allegation against the central government. Malik said, "It is sad & 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. In another tweet he wrote," 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."
BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye was quick to react to Malik's allegations and said," Instead making such wild and baseless allegations, Nawab Malik should provide proof or else should apologise. It is a high time that MVA stops blame game and does its job of handling the pandemic. Is this an official stance of state government? If so, CM Uddhav Thackeray should come forward and clarify the facts. Or prevent the ministers from making such irresponsible and baseless allegations."
Malik also countered Upadhye's claim saying," Despite you being from Maharashtra & seeing the plight of people here in combating #COVID19, it will be appreciated if you support the people of #Maharashtra in these tough times and stop defending your masters sitting in the centre."
Upadhye replied,"We r born in Maharashtra & will die 4 Maha.Bt not like u, who only believes in dirty politics. Only because of MVA policies people r dying &few people r enjoying HAFTA VASULI & DRUG Racket. Rather spending time on replying me, pls save MAHARASHTRA, if in case it’s MVAs priority!"
Nawab Malik said," 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. 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."