New Delhi, April 16: At a time when India is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, fake news related to coronavirus and its treatment is spreading like wildfire, creating panic among the masses. One such viral WhatsApp message claims that people can now get Remdesivir, the anti-viral COVID-19 drug, at Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra for just Rs 899 as against Rs 4,000 charged by medical shops. According to a report by Bhaskar.com, the fake message that is being widely circulated on WhatsApp claims that Remdesivir can be purchased directly from Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, which is there in almost every city in India.
The misleading WhatsApp message claims that Remdesivir can be purchased by people after showing several documents including the patient’s Aadhaar Card, COVID-19 positive report, original doctors prescription, and the Aadhaar card of the person purchasing the anti-viral COVID-19 drug. After the WhatsApp message went viral on social media, a fact check was conducted on the same to ascertain the truth behind the viral message. Remdesivir Black Marketing in Madhya Pradesh: Three Arrested in Indore For Selling Anti-Viral COVID-19 Drug in Black Market.
A close look at the list of medicines mentioned on the website of Prime Minister Jan Aushadhi Kendra, has no mention of Remdesivir at its outlets. The drug did not feature in their rate list. According to a tweet by PTI, the government has issued an order saying that Remdesivir is only for hospitalised patients on oxygen and not to be used in a home setting, nor is it to be procured from chemist shops.
Fact check
Claim :
A WhatsApp message claims that Remdesivir, the anti-viral COVID-19 drug, can be purchased from Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra for just Rs 899 as against Rs 4,000 charged by medical shops.
Conclusion :
The claims made in a viral WhatsApp message is fake.
(The above story first appeared on Morning Tidings on Apr 16, 2021 05:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website morningtidings.com).
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