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Remdesivir-
As headlines scream shortage and photos of hapless relatives standing in long lines are on front page,
public impression is that scores of people are dying as this life saving elixir is in short supply.
Nothing could be further from truth.
A thread.
As headlines scream shortage and photos of hapless relatives standing in long lines are on front page,
public impression is that scores of people are dying as this life saving elixir is in short supply.
Nothing could be further from truth.
A thread.
If remdesivir was the fabled "Sanjivani buti" we wouldn't see millions of deaths all over the world.
After initial enthusiasm in Feb/March 2020, well designed clinical trials put question mark on superiority of Remdesivir over standard care.
After initial enthusiasm in Feb/March 2020, well designed clinical trials put question mark on superiority of Remdesivir over standard care.
As even more data gathered, clinicians suspected that a small subset of patients may benefit from remdesivir. (There are enough papers to support every claim and more)
Now most sensible clinicians agree that remdesivir should be given to patients who have mild to moderate lung involvement (as seen on CT) and can not maintain adequate O2 levels on room air breathing.
And this is recommended by guidelines as well.
And this is recommended by guidelines as well.
It is obvious that such wooley boundaries of decision making are complicating real life situations.
So far we were talking about science, now let's talk about a wonder called India.
So far we were talking about science, now let's talk about a wonder called India.
As soon as remdesivir was mentioned in international literature india responded by -
1. Indiscriminate use in patients who have tested positive. Have no symptoms or only mild, non respiratory symptoms.
2. Stockpiling, black marketing and profiteering.
3. Govt steps in !
1. Indiscriminate use in patients who have tested positive. Have no symptoms or only mild, non respiratory symptoms.
2. Stockpiling, black marketing and profiteering.
3. Govt steps in !
All it takes to buy this drug now is -
A positive report, doctor's prescription, Aadhar card.
After a positive test, rest 2 are a piece of cake.
No doctor can refuse writing prescription of Remdesivir even if their clinical judgement is against it.
They will be lynched.
A positive report, doctor's prescription, Aadhar card.
After a positive test, rest 2 are a piece of cake.
No doctor can refuse writing prescription of Remdesivir even if their clinical judgement is against it.
They will be lynched.
So we have a situation where people who have no active disease or minimal disease taking remdesivir BY DEMAND.
And when India demands, it is a stampede. It is blood bath. It is misery. All around.
And when India demands, it is a stampede. It is blood bath. It is misery. All around.
So,
We have a medicine that is one more small arrow in our quiver, but is touted as Ram-BaaN.
So more people are getting hurt trying to get one than lack of getting one.
We have a medicine that is one more small arrow in our quiver, but is touted as Ram-BaaN.
So more people are getting hurt trying to get one than lack of getting one.
This is what happens when healthcare is private, open to all pressures and general public that has abandoned ideal mentioned in constitution - "scientific temper".
That's all.
Take care,
Wear mask,
Keep distance.
Stay safe.
That's all.
Take care,
Wear mask,
Keep distance.
Stay safe.
Pl unroll @threadreaderapp
