Question : HIV Drugs

Will the Minister of HEALTH ANDFAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the reports of non-payment of dues by his Ministry resulting in manufacturers of child doses of HIV drugs refusing to supply drugs and to participate in bids;

(b) if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon;

(c) whether there is only one manufacturer for Lopinavir syrup in the country, and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has instructed State AIDS Control Societies to purchase said from local markets; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government to address the issue?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b) No such case has come to the notice of Government.

(c) Yes. There is only one manufacturer of this drug. Under National AIDS Control Programme, more than 1200 children are on treatment on this drug. At present, there is no shortage of this drug in the country.

(d) & (e) No. The said drug is centrally procured and is available country wide in sufficient number.