Maharashtra's Health Minister Rajesh Tope has expressed concern regarding shortage of Amphotericin-B, the drug used for treating mucormycosis. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Mr.Tope said the state has seen about 1500 cases of the fungal infection so far, with 90 patients having succumbed to the disease.<br />'' <br />''Stating that medical authorities must avoid indiscriminate use of steroids, Mr. Tope said the infection should not be taken lightly. He said that 500 patients of the Black Fungus infection have recovered so far, while 850 others are still undergoing treatment.<br />'' <br />''Mr. Tope said the state needs 1.50 lakh to two lakh vials of Amphotericin-B injection but has received only 16,000 from the Centre. He said the state has placed an order for 1.90 lakh vials but the medicine is likely to be delivered by the end of this month, making the next ten days highly critical.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The minister said, some pharma units in Wardha and Palghar districts are likely to begin production of the drug soon with the first consignment being available by mid of June.</span><br />