No nationwide shortage of HIV drug Dolutegravir: Mansukh Mandaviya

New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday told the Parliament that there is no nation-wide shortage of HIV drug Dolutegravir.

His assurance came in response to a question in Rajya Sabha on whether there is a nation-wide shortage of the valuable HIV drug.

Dolutegravir (DTG) was introduced under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in a phased manner in 2020, he said, adding that various proactive steps have been undertaken to ensure uninterrupted supply of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines including Dolutegravir.

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In response to another question, Mandaviya said: "The MoHFW has developed a telemedicine application eSanjeevani, which provides doctor to doctor and patient to doctor consultations.

"This application works on a hub and spoke model wherein doctors including specialists provide services to patients in Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) in rural areas. Further people in remote and rural areas can also avail services through OPD module of eSanjeevani."

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As on July 26 July, a total of 14,17,81,384 teleconsultations have been completed, Mandaviya added.

Mansukh Mandaviya has also announced another important decision regarding the pharma companies across India.

Medical Dialogues team has recently reported that pharmaceutical companies having an annual turnover of over Rs 250 crore will have to mandatorily adopt Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) within six months, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Wednesday. The minister said while those with a turnover of less than Rs 250 crore will have to do so in a 12-month time.

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