(Rajnath Singh handing over first batch of anti-Covid drug, 2-DG, to Union Health Minister Dr Vardhan)
Speed Post News Network
New Delhi :The first batch of the adjunct Covid therapy anti-Covid drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and handed over to Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Science & Tech and Earth Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi on May 17, 2021.
One box each of the sachets of the drug were handed over to Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr Randeep Guleria, and Lt Gen Sunil Kant of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). More will be handed over to different hospitals across the country for emergency use.
An anti-Covid-19 therapeutic application of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) has been developed by Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), Hyderabad, according to a PIB release.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath congratulated DRDO and DRL, Hyderabad, for manufacturing the drug that will help the Covid patients reduce oxygen dependency and recover quickly. He described the drug as a perfect example of the country’s scientific prowess and a milestone in the efforts towards self-reliance. “2-DG drug is a new ray of hope in these challenging times,” said Rajnath expressing confidence that the medicine will play a crucial role in winning the fight against Covid-19. He said the development and production of the drug is a shining example of public-private sector partnership to help the nation in these challenging times. He further said when the situation improves, he would personally like to honour the scientists who played a major role in the development of the drug as they deserve credit for this achievement.
Rajnath asserted that the Government is continuously monitoring the situation and taken effective steps to meet the requirement of oxygen supply, medicines, ICU beds in hospitals across the country through collective efforts of concerned Ministries/departments under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed out that the oxygen supply in the country has been substantially increased to more than 9,500 Metric Tonnes (MT) per day from around 4,700 MT at the start of May.
He commended DRDO for setting up medical oxygen plants at various hospitals across the country under PM Cares Fund, besides constructing Covid hospitals, with ICU, oxygen and ventilators, in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gandhinagar. Work is in progress to set up similar hospitals in Haldwani, Rishikesh, Jammu, and Srinagar.He also appreciated the passion of retired AFMS doctors who have answered the nation’s call and joined the medical fraternity in providing medical care to the needy.
Rajnath underlined the important role being played by the Armed Forces in assisting the civil administration to tide over the current situation. He said, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy (IN) are working tirelessly to transport oxygen tankers, containers, concentrators, and other critical medical equipment from within the country and abroad. He also highlighted the expansion of treatment facilities at military hospitals which are now being provided to civilians as well.
He reiterated the Government’s resolve to provide medical care to each and every citizen of the country saying that the Prime Minister has directed officials to conduct door-to-door testing, equip ASHA & Anganwadi workers with all necessary tools and provide all facilities in remote areas. “ We will not be tired. We will keep fighting and win against Covid-19,” he stressed.
In his address, Dr Vardhan termed 2-DG as an important development by DRDO and DRL, Hyderabad, that will reduce the recovery time and oxygen dependency in Covid-19 patients. He hoped that the drug will go a long way in defeating the virus in not just India but across the globe.
Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy expressed confidence that the anti-COVID drug will help the patients recover from the deadly virus, hoping that DRL, Hyderabad will take it forward and soon make the drug available for the patients.