State Heath Minister Dr Zafar Mirza says the government is ensuring sufficient supplies of remdesivir for critical coronavirus patients.

He in a statement said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) issued import and registration letters for emergency use of the antiviral drug.

The special assistant said two importers and fourteen local manufacturers were given permits in view of increasing demand for the drug that can be used in treating serious Covid-19 patients as per registered medical practitioner’s advice.

Earlier, State Health Minister Dr Zafar Mirza in a tweet said

DRAP has completed “national stock taking” of dexamethasone – a steroid drug that has shown to be effective in the treatment of critical Covid-19 patients.

“I am pleased to report that we have enough stocks of the medicine available in Pakistan.It is available on prescription only. Any availability issues can be reported on DRAP hotline 0800-03727.”

<321> National stock taking of Dexamethasone is completed by DRAP & I am pleased to report that we have enough stocks of the medicine available in Pakistan. It is available on prescription only. Any availability issues can be reported on DRAP hotline 0800-03727.

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) June 20, 2020