[COVID19] Delhi High Court seeks details from Delhi govt on supplies, stock and distribution of black fungus drug

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought information from the Delhi government on the supplies, the stock and distribution of the drug being prescribed to treat black fungus in the national capital (Rakesh Malhotra vs GNCTD). .A Division Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh told counsel for Delhi government, Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra to inform the Bench about the details of stock held by the government. "You tell us what are the stocks held by you? What are your supplies and how are you distributing it?".The Court also asked the Central government to state the "bottlenecks" being faced by it in supplying the drug to States. ."You have to point out the bottleneck. When it is locally manufactured, how can it be suddenly in short supply," the Court questioned. .The information was sought after the issue of shortage was raised by Advocate Rakesh Malhotra. .Mehra informed the Court that the supply of the drug was being done by the Central government but due to the sudden increase in its demand, shortage has arisen. ."The issue is the medicine was not being prescribed in the numbers that is being prescribed now. Everyone has been caught unaware," he said. .Ninety vials of the drug are required for one patient and requisitions have been made to the Centre, Mehra submitted. .He added that while a committee has already been formed to look into the issue at the State-level, the issue of supply could only be addressed by the Central government. ."We don't have stock at all. We can't give buffer stock.. (Committee) Meeting more often wouldn't serve purpose if there is no drug," Mehra remarked. .Counsel for the Central government submitted that the shortage was on account of the spike in demand. .The matter would be heard on Thursday..Read full account of the hearing below:.Delhi High Court hears petitions on issues arising out of COVID-19 in Delhi [LIVE UPDATES]