India's Covid-19 management has a prescription problem

As the cases of Covid treatment-linked diseases like mucormycosis witness a steep rise, questions have been raised about combinations of repurposed and experimental medicines recommended by health practitioners in India as a one-size-fits-all solution. Clinical trials conducted so far have not provided enough evidence that the antiviral drug either reduces mortality or the need for mechanical ventilation among severely ill Covid patients. Based on data provided by professor VP Pandey, HOD Medicine at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore, he argued that “there are factors beyond steroid use and diabetes.” The data suggested that out of 210 mucormycosis patients at MGMMC, antibiotics had been used in 100% of patients, steroids in 86% cases, and 52% of them had received oxygen support. Colchicine does not work for #COVID19 Nor do Hydroxychloroquine, Ivermectin, Azithromycin, Doxycycline, high dose vitamins, or plasma therapy Questionable role of remdesivir Limited role of Tocilizumab Can't find published data on new #DRDO drug 2-DG https://t.co/Blrb7hbMnM — Dr Ambrish Mithal May 19, 2021 THE APPROVAL AMBIGUITY Lack of clarity in India's emergency approvals is another area of concern. The Lancet called for “implementing a public health response that has science at its heart.” Earlier, Nature published an article that questioned the use of unproven Covid drugs in India.