Mumbai: Pharmacist, aide arrested for selling COVID drug Remdesivir for four times its price; hints at bigger nexus
The deal was closed for Rs 20000 per vial, stating that the drug was being sold in the black market from a medical store of a reputed hospital in the Western suburbs of Mumbai for ₹21,000 each.;
Mumbai: With the increasing demand for the anti-viral drug remdesivir, which is being used to treat COVID-19 patients; cases related to the illegal sale of the drug has seen an imprudent rise with yet another pharmacist and his aide being arrested for allegedly selling the drug at almost four times its market price for Rs 20,000 per vial.
Pertinent to this black marketing, now a reputed hospital in Mumbai is also under the scanner. The people who have been arrested are identified as Sonu Darshi (25) and his accomplice Rodriques Raul (31).
The duo was caught hold of after a social worker from Thane, Dr Binu Verghese, tipped off the police about the sale of remdesivir for around Rs 20,000 for one vial while the retail price is Rs 5,400.
Also Read: Black Marketing Of Tocilizumab Injection At Premium Price Of Rs 57000 Per Vial Busted, 4 Booked
Accordingly, a trap was laid and Verghese was sent as a dummy customer.
Firstly, the accused offered that drug at Rs 30000. However, after negotiating, the deal was closed for Rs 20000 per vial, stating that the drug was being sold in the black market from a medical store of a reputed hospital in the Western suburbs of Mumbai for ₹21,000 each. They were caught red-handed in the act by Mumbai Police.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.