Government of India banned the export of anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine and formulations made up of it within the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. It’s aimed toward ensuring sufficient availability of drugs within the domestic market. However, the export of the drugs is going to be allowed on humanitarian grounds on a case-to-case basis as per the advice of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Earlier, Indian Council of Medical Research had recommended the utilization of hydroxychloroquine for treating healthcare workers handling suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases and also the asymptomatic household contacts of the lab-confirmed cases.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Director-General of ICMR: Balram Bhargava.
- Headquarters of ICMR: New Delhi.
