Covid-19: Remdesivir Isn’t A ‘Ramban’, It Only Decreases Viral Load, Says Dr Naresh Trehan

We’ve now made a protocol that Remdesivir to be given not to everyone who tests positive. Only after doctors look at test results, symptoms, comorbidities of a patient,then, it’s to be given. Remdesivir isn’t a ‘Ramban’, it only decreases viral load in people who need it. Says Dr Trehan.

He said this while participating in a video conference organised by the news agency ANI. Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMs-Delhi, Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Health also participated in the discussion.

Important to understand is that most of us who in home isolation or in the hospital because panic don’t actually need any specific treatment. Only a small percentage require Remdesivir. Don’t consider this as a magic bullet, says AIIMS Director Dr Guleria.

While talking about the supply of oxygen, he urged the people not to waste it, as “it will deprive someone who needs it.”

“Today we have enough oxygen if we try to use it judiciously. I want to tell the public that if you don’t need oxygen then don’t use it as a security blanket. Waste of oxygen will only lead to depriving someone who needs it”, Dr Naresh Trehan said.

Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Health has appealed to the public that nobody should ignore even the mildest of symptoms. “If you have any symptom like body ache, cold, cough, indigestion, vomiting- I have one important message- get yourself tested for COVID19. It is the most important thing”, Dr Devi Shetty said.