Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Saturday said that all medicines required for the treatment of Nipah virus are available in the state, except for a specific anti-viral drug. He was responding to Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan's allegation a day earlier that there was a shortage of essential medicines at a time when a Nipah patient was undergoing treatment on ventilator support in critical condition.
Minister's Statement
Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan clarified that the state government has ensured adequate stock of all necessary drugs for Nipah management. However, he admitted that the anti-viral drug, which is used in experimental protocols, is not currently in stock. He added that efforts are being made to procure it through central agencies.
Opposition's Allegation
Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier accused the government of failing to maintain sufficient medical supplies, claiming that the shortage could jeopardize patient care. He demanded an immediate explanation from the health department.
The Health Minister dismissed these claims as baseless, stating that the patient is receiving the best possible care. He urged the opposition not to politicize a health emergency.
Meanwhile, health officials confirmed that the Nipah patient remains critical but stable. Contact tracing and surveillance activities are ongoing in the affected region.
