There are many instances of medicines and injections shortages during the second wave of COVID-19 across India. One of the most sought-after injection is Remdesivir for treatment for medium to severe infections. The high demand has created a shortage of supply requiring patients and their families to obtain it on their own if hospitals don't have stock.

Our government has stepped up efforts to make it available through various official channels to support our nation, but there are few opportunistic people with no values who see this as a business opportunity and manufacturing fake injections in large numbers and circulating them at very high prices to patients who are highly infected with COVID virus. Police arrested six people from one such unit including Rahul Kotecha and Raviraj alias Raj Hirani, Asif Patni, Ramiz Kadri, Kaushal Vora and Punit Shah, across Gujarat and Maharashtra states. Their foul play has resulted in many patients becoming critical and losing their lives.

When injections from standard companies are available at INR 1200 these spurious people printed MRP of 4800 and played with life of many people. They have made these injections using glucose powder as mentioned in an attached news report. With no knowledge of making medicines, no certifications they are playing with the lives of many patients who are desperately looking for these injections to save lives. For families in distress, authentication of these injections becomes a huge challenge when hospital doctors and personnel are providing contact information to obtain these lifesaving medicines.

One such case happened to an 84-year-old healthy patient in Surat who had a mild COVID infection, but his health deteriorated after receiving six doses of potentially fake Remdesivir. These individuals mentioned above, their network of suppliers, doctors and hospitals needs to be investigated further and if found guilty, they all need to be charged with murder. This is our sincere request to the Prime Minister and the President of India.

I have attached the image from times of India news published on 2nd May in Surat edition for your reference and I am looking for your support to sign the petition for a thorough investigation and highest punishment to be granted to all individuals found guilty under Indian penal laws. Jai Hind!