As India battles the deadly second wave of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, cases of black fungus amongst Covid infected and recovered patients have also been increasing at an alarming rate. It seems that the Central government has taken cognisance of the threat posed by black fungus disease and, hence, has ramped up the production of black fungus medicine.
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya took to Twitter to state the Central government has chalked out a plan to increase the availability of amphotericin-B which is used in the treatment of a rare fungal infection Mucormycosis.
He also stated that the supply of Amphotericin-B has been increased many-fold in the country.
In a follow up tweet, Mandaviya said, “We have already improved the supply of #AmphotericinB by many folds. But currently, we are facing a sudden demand surge. Let me assure that we are committed to moving heaven and earth to make it available to needy patients.”
Commenting on the shortage of the drug, Mandaviya said, “We have also outlined the system for efficient distribution and supply chain management of #AmphotericinB. The shortage will get resolved at the earliest. I also urge states to use this drug judiciously by strictly following guidelines.”
For the uninitiated, black fungus cases are rising as a post-Covid complication. It is because large amounts of steroids are being administered during Covid treatment. One drug in wide use being dexamethasone. Dexamethasone works but it suppresses immunity greatly making people susceptible to this infection.
The cases of Mucormycosis are being reported in severe COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes, prolonged ICU stay and those who are immunocompromised. The use of Dexamethasone makes them even more susceptible.
Mucormycosis has been present in India even before the COVID-19 pandemic started. Most cases are being reported in already hospitalised patients and post-recovery. It has nothing to do with the “cow dung” as western media is propagating. It has more to do with the judicious use of steroids in the management of COVID-19.
As the demand rises, the country is grappled with a shortage of AmphotericinB. It is encouraging to see that the govt is proactively recognising this problem and stepping up the production.
