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With India caught unawares by the magnitude of the second wave, the SOS calls and pleas for ‘life-saving’ COVID medicines went up.
Remdesivir was one of the first medicines to gain popularity and a reputation as a 'saviour drug' for treating COVID. Eventual large-scale trials lead by the World Health Organisation found the drug to not be very effective.
But in India, the tremendous increase in demand for Remdesivir has subsequently led to a widespread black marketing of this drug.
How Has Dr Ravi Arole Been Treating His Patients Without Remdesivir?
Speaking of the rampant misuse of Remdesivir, Dr Arole explains, "Something to know about Remdesivir is that there is a time and place for it. It only works in initial stages of the infection."
He further talks about how in all his time treating COVID patients, he hasn't seen the drug having a significant impact in terms of reducing mortality, or reducing the duration of hospitalisation.
In mild cases, Dr Arole recommends against medical intervention.
“Around 85 percent of the patients don't need Remdesivir or any medicine, but only isolation," he adds.
In more serious cases he speaks of symptomatic treatment, that has so far helped him keep their mortality rate to a minimum.
"Despite the new strain being dangerous, we have kept the death rate below 1% by not using Remdesivir," he says.
What turns a COVID Infection Fatal?
According to Dr Ravi Arole, deaths from COVID are mainly due to these three reasons,
To others in the medical fraternity, Dr Arole has this to say, "we have to give our patients the right information."
Dr Ravi Arole and his sister Dr Shobha Arole treat people in rural areas for free under the Rural Health Scheme at their Julia Hospital. During the pandemic, they have treated thousands of patients without any expensive medicines.
His late father, Dr Srikanth Arole, started working for the poor people of rural areas of Maharashtra from 1979. For his services, he has been honoured with awards such as Ramon Magsaysay, Mother Teresa and Padmabhushan.
Dr Ravi and Dr Shobha work to carry forward their father's legacy of social work.
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Published: 09 May 2021,08:09 PM IST