IndoCarib
ELITE MEMBER
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2011
- Messages
- 10,784
- Reaction score
- -14
- Country
- Location
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug produced mostly in India, and pushed by US President Trump as a COVID-19 treatment, despite limited clinical evidence it is effective. Now other countries have joined the hype.
India is the world's biggest manufacturer of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-malarial drug that US President Donald Trump is pushing as a "game-changer" in the fight against COVID-19.
However, health officials around the world emphasize that there is no evidence that any drug, including HCQ, can cure or prevent a COVID-19 infection. But that hasn't stopped countries around the world asking India for shipments.
In response to high global demand, late last month India's trade regulator issued an order restricting the export of HCQ on "case-by-case" basis.
Trump threatened "retaliation" if India does not release stocks of the drug. Indian officials agreed quickly thereafter to partially lift the ban and said exports of HCQ and paracetamol would be allowed unhindered.
Limited effectiveness
HCQ is generally prescribed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and malaria.
However, scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country's premier medical research body, have advised people not to take HCQ without a prescription. Chloroquine can be deadly if not dosed properly.
Subscribe to Corona Compact — DW's newsletter tracking coronavirus in Asia
"The ICMR has approved the use of HCQ in some cases, but only at an experimental level. It is being recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and asymptomatic household contacts
https://www.dw.com/en/why-the-world-is-hungry-for-a-coronavirus-drug-made-in-india/a-53077879
India is the world's biggest manufacturer of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-malarial drug that US President Donald Trump is pushing as a "game-changer" in the fight against COVID-19.
However, health officials around the world emphasize that there is no evidence that any drug, including HCQ, can cure or prevent a COVID-19 infection. But that hasn't stopped countries around the world asking India for shipments.
In response to high global demand, late last month India's trade regulator issued an order restricting the export of HCQ on "case-by-case" basis.
Trump threatened "retaliation" if India does not release stocks of the drug. Indian officials agreed quickly thereafter to partially lift the ban and said exports of HCQ and paracetamol would be allowed unhindered.
Limited effectiveness
HCQ is generally prescribed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and malaria.
However, scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country's premier medical research body, have advised people not to take HCQ without a prescription. Chloroquine can be deadly if not dosed properly.
Subscribe to Corona Compact — DW's newsletter tracking coronavirus in Asia
"The ICMR has approved the use of HCQ in some cases, but only at an experimental level. It is being recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and asymptomatic household contacts
https://www.dw.com/en/why-the-world-is-hungry-for-a-coronavirus-drug-made-in-india/a-53077879
