India Allows Export Of Anti-Malaria Drug Hydroxychloroquine

Mumbai, 7 April 2020:

After US President Donald Trump urged India to release supplies of the drug seen as a possible treatment for COVID-19, India has decided to allow exports of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

"In view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic, it has been decided that India would licence paracetamol and HCQ in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities. We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

"The stock position could allow our companies to meet the export commitments that they had contracted," Srivastava added.

The Indian government had earlier put a ban on exports of hydroxychloroquine as well as on the pain reliever, paracetamol, saying it had to meet its internal demand.

But Trump had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend seeking supplies and later hinted that India may face retaliation. Pharmabiz