Govt seeks Novartis response, eyes generics to fix thalassemia drug shortage

New Delhi: In a bid to address shortages of a key lifesaving iron chelation drug for thalassemia patients, the govt will initiate talks with Novartis, the leading manufacturer, over its non-participation in govt tenders, which has hit supplies in public hospitals.It has also proposed encouraging domestic production of generic versions of the molecule and exploring support through CSR funding from public sector undertakings and private companies.The move comes after TOI highlighted earlier this week that patients — many of them children dependent on regular blood transfusions — were struggling to access essential chelation medicines in govt facilities, forcing families to either purchase expensive drugs privately or skip doses.The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting convened by the Directorate General of Health Services on Friday to review gaps in iron chelation therapy for transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients in central govt hospitals. Senior officials from the Union health ministry, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, procurement heads and clinicians from key hospitals attended the meeting.Hospitals flagged that despite repeatedly floating tenders, the company was not participating, affecting availability of the lifesaving drug in public facilities. Officials said Novartis will be called for a detailed discussion to understand the reasons behind this and address supply bottlenecks.Sources said alternative manufacturers, including Taj Pharma, Maya Biotech and Aark Pharmaceuticals, are listed as producers but largely cater to export markets. They said the govt should examine whether these firms can be brought into the domestic supply chain and encouraged by regulators to participate in tenders floated by public hospitals.Officials from central govt hospitals presented the ground situation at the meeting, while representatives from patient groups and thalassaemia organisations also shared concerns.The DGHS communication indicated that the meeting was being held under directions of the health secretary, underscoring the urgency of the issue.Doctors warn that any interruption in iron chelation therapy can lead to severe complications, including damage to vital organs such as the heart and liver.Patient groups said they now expect swift implementation. “The focus must be on ensuring uninterrupted availability in hospitals. Patients cannot depend on out-of-pocket purchases for survival,” a representative said.The decisions taken at the meeting are expected to guide procurement and supply measures in the coming weeks, offering a crucial window of relief for thousands of families dependent on public healthcare.Responding to concerns over availability, a Novartis spokesperson said earlier that there was currently no shortage of Desferal in India and that there was no disruption in the supply of the medicine.Responding to concerns over availability, a Novartis spokesperson had said earlier that there was currently no shortage of Desferal in India and that there was no disruption in the supply of the medicine.