On Tuesday, the nation announced that while entirely freeing 14 other drugs to sell, it has brought two hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol products under the approved sell list. The export decision for both hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol would be taken on a case-by-case basis after Indian needs have been adequately met.
The Indian Government banned exports of all 16 medicines last month after the covid-19 outbreak. The decision was taken after witnessing the rising number of Covid-19 infections in the world, with more than 4,500 people affected to date and 122 deaths. So far, more than 360 people have recovered.
Hydroxychloroquine was banned last month by India, following the ICMR’s recommendation for the treatment for prophylaxis or the safety of those at high risk of contracting the disease.
Indian foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said, “With regard to paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), they will be kept in a licensed category, and their demand position would be continuously monitored. However, the stock position could allow our companies to meet the export commitments that they had contracted.”
He continued, “In view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic, it has been decided that India would license paracetamol and HCQ in appropriate quantities to all our neighboring 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 decision follows the threat of retaliation by US President Donald Trump if India refuses Trump’s offer to supply the drug. On Sunday, the US president summoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce the anti-malaria medication he sees as a game-changer for Covid.
Related appeals have been received from many other nations such as Sri Lanka and Nepal.
