The first batch of Remdesivir imported by Vingroup arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City on August 5. (Photo courtesy of Pham Sanh Chau, Vietnamese Ambassador to India)Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – Around 10,000 vials of Remdesivir have
been distributed to 10 hospitals in to treat COVID-19 patients
starting today, according to the .
The southern city is currently the biggest COVID-19 hot spot with
4,000-7,000 cases recorded daily since mid-July, and the main objective right
now is to reduce deaths among severe cases as medical facilities strain to
handle large inflows of patients.
The ministry noted that through donation sources in the past, the drug
appears to help reduce the viral load in the infected, but cautioned that
members of public should not look for or stock up on these drugs.
The administration and the doses required must be indicated by doctors.
Luong Ngoc Khue, Director of the Health Ministry’s Department of Medical
Examination and Treatment, said that is still after all a new drug
and the administration of this drug must be closely followed to see its actual
effectiveness.
On August 6, the Ministry of Health held a meeting on
treatment, in which they discussed the use of anticoagulant (oral drug),
antiviral drugs including Remdesivir, monoclonal antibody drugs, and prone
positioning.
However, it has not officially approved the drug yet.
Future batches of the drugs will be allocated to HCM City and the
southern region, and if other localities need some then adjustments could be
made.
Vingroup said it had negotiated successfully for 500,000 vials of
Remdesivir from Indian pharmaceutical company Cipla under licensing agreement
from US-based Gilead Sciences. The first batch arrived at Tan Son Nhat
International Airport in HCM City on August 5.
A further 100,000 vials are expected to be delivered to Vietnam next
week./.
Source: VietnamPlus
