India's Malaria Drug Powers

Hydroxychloroquine production to go up manifold as India looks to export it to 30 affected nations including US & Brazil

- Anwesha Madhukalya

An ever-rising global demand for anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ to treat Coronavirus patients has turned the spotlight on India.

The country meets 80-85% of the medicine’s requirement worldwide and has agreed to export it to the US and Brazil, among other nations, after requests from their Presidents.

As India said that it would help countries that need HCQ, US President Trump tweeted: “Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister Modi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!”

WHAT IS HCQ?

Hydroxychloroquine is being increasingly seen in the world as a drug that may reduce viral load.

‘NO DOMESTIC SHORTAGE’

India is stocking four months of supply and has agreed to export to 30 countries, including Germany, Canada, B’desh, Bhutan & Sri Lanka.

1 crore HCQ tablets India needs, while 3.28 crore are available, said Union health ministry on Friday.

Modi had a quick response. “Fully agree with you President Donald Trump. Times like these bring friends closer. The India-US partnership is stronger than ever. India shall do everything possible to help humanity's fight against COVID-19. We shall win this together,” the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.