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With millions of possible vaccine doses on hold, with respect to the ongoing pandemic, we pay little attention to the repercussions those plastic syringes have on the environment. This article delves into the impact that the increase in medical waste, haphazard use and disposal of syringes has caused to the environment, citing the practices followed and its possible solutions. The increasing production of nonbiodegradable materials is inevitably going to affect the world we live in. This article highlights the importance of developing new and sustainable methods of vaccination and disposal, while mentioning some initiatives that are already in place to combat this issue. Along with educating the unaware proportion of the population, there is a need to develop sustainable and recyclable products for a better tomorrow.

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Background: Remdesivir (RDV) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been found to be beneficial in patients with severe disease; however, its role in mild-moderate disease and its optimal timing need to be identified. Objective: To assess the course of illness and final outcome in patients who received RDV at various stages of illness, and compare it to the non-RDV group. Methods: This is a retrospective data analysis of 1262 COVID-19 patients hospitalized from May5, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The primary outcomes were progression to mechanical ventilation (MV) or death. Kaplan Meier survival analysis and log rank test were used for evaluating primary outcomes. Results: 398 patients comprised the RDV group and 260 patients comprised the non-RDV group. 2/3rd of patients were above 50 years of age in both the groups and 3/4th patients were male. Mortality rate was 5.8% in RDV group (10.4% in non-RDV group). Mortality rate was 3.6%, 4% and 16.7% when RDV was started within 5 days, 5 to 10 days and after 10 days of symptom onset respectively. Fewer patients in RDV group progressed to MV (4.0% v/s 8.2%). Earlier discharge occurred in RDV group. Use of supplemental oxygen was observed in 44.7% patients in RDV group (54.2% in non-RDV group). No significant adverse events were observed with RDV. Survival analysis showed that probability of event (death) was significant for patients with hypertension (HT) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) in RDV group. Conclusion: Early initiation of RDV is associated with shorter hospital stay, lower mortality as well as reduced need for supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation.