Plenty of Tamiflu tablets,none for distribution now

Pune has nearly 10,000 Tamiflu capsules in stock but they are not for distribution yet.

Pune has nearly 10,000 Tamiflu capsules in stock but they are not for distribution yet. They will be distributed only if there are confirmed swine flu cases, said Dr S B Nadoni,who has additional charge as regional director,department of health and family welfare.

A Union Health Ministry advisory has prohibited retail of the drug,following reports of panic buying from the black market.

Officials at the Emergency Medical Relief Centre in New Delhi said there is a stockpile of 10 million capsules and the regional director in every state has been given a share. There have been reports that some chemists have imported the drug in some places, said Dr U B Das of the relief centre.

The advisory says indiscriminate use of Tamiflu could make the virus resistant to the drug. If swine flu is confirmed,the drug will be distributed free.

The drug is not available at Sassoon General Hospital or with city chemists. This is not a routine drug, says Dr M J Kshirsagar,associate professor,B J Medical College.

Bacchu Oswal,member of the State Pharmacy Council,said Ranbaxy and Cipla had stopped production some years ago. It can be imported from Roche Pharmaceuticals, says Dr Dilip Sarda,president of the city unit of Indian Medical Association.

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