Oseltamivir or Tamiflu, the wonder drug that cures avian influenza as well as the new H1N1 flu, would be distributed in India only through the government machinery as experts have warned that its indiscriminate use can result in the virus developing resistance to the medicine.
Briefing reporters here today, Ministry of Health Joint Secretary Vineet Choudhary said the four companies manufacturing the drug in India have received requests for its supply from private companies and dealers, too.
“The supply of this drug through any private party is illegal and the manufacturer would be hauled up for this,” he said.
Indian Council of Medical Research Director VN Katoch said, “We do not want the drug to be used indiscriminately. Thus, after much deliberation it has been decided that only government hospitals and agencies would supply the drug.” “As of now, the drug is highly effective against both avian influenza and H1N1 flu. Its indiscriminate use will lead to the virus developing resistance to the drug,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has issued a necessary advisory to all state governments to maintain a precautionary vigil on the swine population for any flu like symptoms.
