Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a life-threatening disease that is afflicting Covid-19 patients who have recovered. According to doctors, it is more common in people who have high blood sugar, are immuno-compromised, or have been given too many steroids during Covid-19 treatment.
With mucormycosis cases on the rise, patients’ families are placing SOS calls to pharmacies for amphotericin B, an antifungal drug used to treat the disease, which is currently unavailable.
To prevent indiscriminate use and black marketing, the government is regulating the drug’s supply. Satyendar Jain, the Delhi health minister, said, “Because the infection can only be treated in hospitals, the drug is being given directly to hospitals.”
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a life-threatening disease that is afflicting Covid-19 patients who have recovered. According to doctors, it is more common in people who have high blood sugar, are immuno-compromised, or have been given too many steroids during Covid-19 treatment.
The demand for the drug has increased significantly in the last week, according to Ashok Malik, owner of Malik International Pharmaceutical. “Amphotericin B is not available with us. We are getting at least 500 calls daily but can’t do anything if there is no supply. As per a government directive, manufacturers will send the stock straight to hospitals,” he said.
Sai Distributors said the drug is not available for the past two weeks.
“We have four callers all of them have been receiving at least 500 calls each, seeking amphotericin B,” said Gaurav, an associate at Sai Distributors.
