Taking into account the rising death toll because of the Swine Flu influenza A (H1N1), health ministry has decided to allow Tamiflue Sales in India. In a major breakthrough health minister has confirmed the ‘restricted sale’ of anti-influenza medicine Tamiflu is going to be sold in the open market from 22nd September. This allows sale of Tamiflu (Oselatamivir) and Zanamivir, the only available drugs that are used for the treatment of influenza A(H1N1). Both the drugs would be available in the retail market through identified chemists against proper medical prescriptions. A 10-tablet strip of Tamiflu costs Rs.280. The retail sale of Tamiflu was banned by the government initially and its distribution was possible only through public health institutions. However, there was no restriction on the sale of Zanamivir.

There was some protest by experts and health officials earlier, warning the sale could lead to panic buying, hoarding and even spurious sale of the anti-influenza medicine. Randeep Guleria, head of medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said: “I don’t think it will be a good move (to sell it in the open market).” “People will start buying and consuming it without any reason. Tamiflu should only be taken if one tests positive for swine flu, else the body will develop immunity against the medicine,” he said. But the government has something else in mind and trying to prevent the numbers of swine flu cases as total death toll is 212 by today and total cases registered more than 6800. We all should welcome this move of the government.