The Indian government has decided to increase production of remdesivir, anti-viral drug used in the treatment of Covid-19.

Furthermore, India has put an export ban on remdesivir and diverted 400,000 vials marked for export to meet domestic needs.

Indian State Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh L Mandaviya, also state minister of ports, shipping and waterways, announced the decisions after a meeting with all existing Indian manufacturers of remdesivir on Wednesday.

“The current total installed capacity of the seven manufacturers is about 3.9 million vials per month. Fast-track approval has been given for the production of about eight million vials a month,” he said.

“As an additional measure, remdesivir, API and formulation were placed under an export ban from April 11 to increase the supply of remdesivir in the domestic market. On government intervention, remdesivir supplies of approximately 400,000 vials are being diverted by manufacturers to fulfil domestic requirements,” Mandaviya added, as quoted by ANI News.

Remdesivir manufacturers have also volunteered to reduce the price of the drug to less than Rs3,500 per vial by the end of the week to support the Indian government’s efforts to combat Covid-19.