Kerala Receives Life-Saving Drug for PAM from UAE PhilantropistKerala Receives Life-Saving Drug for PAM from UAE Philantropist In the face of rising cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), Kerala has received a vital consignment of Miltefosine, a life-saving drug, from a UAE philanthropist. Kerala Health Minister Veena George accepted the first shipment from Germany, containing 56 medications worth Rs 3.19 lakh. Shamsheer Vayalil, a UAE-based doctor and founder of VPS Healthcare, facilitated the procurement of the drug. The state approached Shamsheer after the sixth confirmed case of PAM. So far, three children have succumbed to the disease, while two are undergoing treatment in Kozhikode. A new case emerged on Monday. Miltefosine has been recognized by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an effective treatment for PAM since 2013. Kerala actively pursued the acquisition of Miltefosine, which is scarce in India. “When cases arose in Kerala, we consulted the central government and determined Miltefosine to be essential. Shamsheer and VPS Healthcare’s support has made its availability possible,” said Minister George. A second consignment of Miltefosine is anticipated to arrive shortly, ensuring its continued availability.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 30: In support of Kerala’s efforts to combat the rising cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), the state has received a crucial consignment of the life-saving drug Miltefosine from a UAE philanthropist. Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Monday received the first consignment from Germany, containing a box of 56 medicines worth Rs 3.19 lakh.
This tender was made possible with the help of Shamsheer Vayalil, a UAE-based doctor turned entrepreneur and founder of VPS Healthcare. The state government sought Shamsheer’s help after the sixth confirmed case of PAM in the state. In response to a rise in cases of PAM, a rare and highly fatal infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, Kerala sought Shamsheer’s help.
So far, three children have succumbed to the disease in the past two months, while two others are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kozhikode. A new case was reported on Monday. The state government has acknowledged the effectiveness of Miltefosine (marketed as Impavido) in treating PAM and has been actively pursuing the drug, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began recommending for the treatment of PAM in 2013. “When cases were reported from Kerala, we consulted the central government and identified Miltefosine as a critical drug.
However, its availability in India is very limited. Due to the support of Shamsheer and VPS Healthcare, this essential medicine has been handed over to the state government. I would like to thank him and his team for their timely assistance,” said George. To ensure the continued availability of this crucial medicine, a second batch of Miltefosine is expected to arrive within a few days. –
Post views: 49
The post UAE philanthropist sends life-saving medicine for PAM to Kerala first appeared on Frugals ca.
