The Union Health Ministry has issued an evidence based treatment plan for Covid 19 patients. Several drugs, which were used so far have not been included in the new list.
Anti-viral Flavipiravir, the largest used medicine has not been mentioned in the list. Shortage and black marketing of this medicine had posed serious problems among the patients and their relatives. Another injection Remdesivir can be prescribed only by a senior doctor. This injection is used only for serious patients, who is on oxygen support. Under the new plan doctors have been advised to use it judiciously and for a limited period.
With the new advisory, the question of possible side-effects on patients, who have already been administered these drugs, remains unanswered.
Fluctuation in blood sugar level, palpitation and thrombosis are prominent side-effects of these medicines. With rise in number of patients, even common people started searching for side-effects of the drugs. The Google search informs about these side-effects. Those suffering from these side-effects are at the receiving end and may suffer health complications for their remaining life.
If Remdesivir is used only at trial basis, whether consent of the patient or near relative was obtained? Whether they were informed about the possible side-effects of Remdesivir?
It appears that none of patients were informed about possibility of thrombosis (formation of blood clots), by the treating doctor. Rise in heart attacks and fluctuation in blood sugar among those who suffered Corona infection, is a common observation.
Should strict rules about use of these and other medicines be made and enforced. Should insurance companies be directed to pay for the after-effects of these medicines or for any other health complications in the future? These questions are haunting common people. Unless they are answered properly the noble profession of medical science will not regain complete faith.
