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Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1259540
Chhattisgarh bans Tamiflu's sale at medicine shops
PTI
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 21:01 IST
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has banned the sale of Tamiflu, the anti-viral drug used to treat swine flu, at all the medicine shops in the state.
"The government has banned the sale of Tamiflu, the only available drug to treat swine and bird flu viruses, H1, N1, H5 and N1. Henceforth, the drug Oseltamiver Phosphate aka Tamiflu will be distributed only by the Health Department," State's Health minister Amar Agrawal said on Wednesday.
Agrawal said the step has been taken so as to contain indiscriminate use of the medicine which might result in making the virus drug-resistant. Health and Family Welfare Department director BS Sarwa the anti-viral drug is available in adequate quantity in the state.
"As and when needed, more stock can be sought from the Centre," he said.
Swine flu cases worldwide soared to nearly 13,000 spreading further in the Middle East.The virus has caused 92 deaths and infected 12,954 people in 46 countries since it was first uncovered last month, according to the last figures from the World Health
Organization.
However, no case of swine flu has been reported from Chhattisgarh as yet.
Chhattisgarh bans Tamiflu's sale at medicine shops
PTI
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 21:01 IST
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has banned the sale of Tamiflu, the anti-viral drug used to treat swine flu, at all the medicine shops in the state.
"The government has banned the sale of Tamiflu, the only available drug to treat swine and bird flu viruses, H1, N1, H5 and N1. Henceforth, the drug Oseltamiver Phosphate aka Tamiflu will be distributed only by the Health Department," State's Health minister Amar Agrawal said on Wednesday.
Agrawal said the step has been taken so as to contain indiscriminate use of the medicine which might result in making the virus drug-resistant. Health and Family Welfare Department director BS Sarwa the anti-viral drug is available in adequate quantity in the state.
"As and when needed, more stock can be sought from the Centre," he said.
Swine flu cases worldwide soared to nearly 13,000 spreading further in the Middle East.The virus has caused 92 deaths and infected 12,954 people in 46 countries since it was first uncovered last month, according to the last figures from the World Health
Organization.
However, no case of swine flu has been reported from Chhattisgarh as yet.