Shortage of Hepatitis vaccines; immediate government intervention needed to avert major disaster

With the onset of monsoon, Kerala is in the grip of various infectious diseases. Unlike the usual diseases, hepatitis is also a major threat in many places now. The situation is more severe in the northern districts. Water from contaminated sources is the main reason for the spread of Hepatitis. This is a disease that requires many days of treatment and diet. If not treated properly, the patient may die. The most effective way to prevent hepatitis is to get the hepatitis vaccine. However, hepatitis vaccines are not available in many districts in the state, which boasts its excellence in the field of health.

Private hospitals are facing a major crisis due to vaccine shortages. It can be said that the situation in government hospitals is relatively better. The current shortage is being blamed on pharmaceutical companies reducing vaccine production. This type of artificial shortage is one of the most common tactics of pharmaceutical manufacturers. Companies that are only interested in making a profit have little interest in the health and safety of the public. Their only aim is maximum exploitation and a huge profit from it. If the vaccine is not available when it is needed, the stock can be sold at a higher price. Through this, companies and sellers will get additional profit. Since Hepatitis B is rampant in the state now, people are rushing for the vaccine.

The disease was under control for a while. There were fewer people who needed the vaccine back then. Now that situation has changed. It is also reported that many people have died due to Hepatitis. Vaccination is mandatory for newborns. The news that it hasn't been interrupted is a relief. However, adults who need the vaccine are struggling because of vaccine shortages. People like those who are going abroad are required to take the vaccine. As the vaccines are not available in the hospitals, they are forced to buy the vaccine from outside at exorbitant prices. Pharmacies are also trying to take advantage of the situation. Despite complaints about the vaccine shortage, the health department is not intervening in the problem. Companies often create artificial shortages in the production of price-controlled drugs.

There was a time when the cost of medicines for terminal diseases skyrocketed. Examples are drugs for cancer, heart disease, kidney disease etc. Due to government interventions from time to time, the prices of many medicines have come down significantly. However, the price of most medicines increases from time to time. There was a huge demand for anti-rabies vaccines in the state with the increase in rabies. Taking advantage of the opportunity, high-priced vaccines appeared in the market. As the vaccine is often not available in government hospitals, those bitten by dogs have to rely on the expensive vaccine. Similarly, people have to rely on medical shops for hepatitis vaccine now. Immediate intervention of the health department is needed in the problem.