State government to take action against those involved in black marketing of Remdesivir

Bengaluru: On Tuesday, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa warned senior government officials that they will not be spared in an inquiry over the allegations of black marketing and seizures of the drug Remdesivir.

During this interaction, the health department officials told the CM that action has been taken against those who are involved in the black marketing of Remdesivir.

However, the CM stated that he has already got information from the intelligence and police department that the health department officials and District administration are involved in the act.

He said, “As per my information and the reports received, a lot of the drugs are being sold in the black and also ferried to other states. You (officials) try to cover it up and speak as if you do not know about it. I am going to order a comprehensive inquiry into this entire affair and you (officials) will face the consequences.”

He added that according to the reports there are not just one or two persons involved but an entire band of bureaucrats have indulged in corruption and misuse of the vials supplied to the state.

He said, “At a time when the people are suffering, you officials have tried to misuse the system and indulge in corruption. I will not share a single one of you and when the inquiry report comes, the truth will surface.”

Yediyurappa was angry when one of the department officials said that all of them are working day and night to solve the problem. Yediyurappa further said, “Am I accusing you of not working overtime? I am asking as to how the drug is being sold in the black market? When we are facing a shortage of the drug, Remdesivir is being sold in the black, who is responsible?”

Previously, at the high court, the Karnataka government has said that the state requires around 4 lakh vials in the month of May. Out of this, the centre has allocated 3.41 lakh vials and Karnataka is receiving 44,000 every day.