New Delhi: India on Tuesday temporarily licensed the export of paracetamol and anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in appropriate quantities to some countries, which have been particularly badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“In view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic, it has been decided that India would license paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities,” MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a statement.
Supply of essential drug to badly affected nation
“We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic. We would, therefore, discourage any speculation in this regard or any attempts to politicise the matter,” the spokesperson added.
“Given the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has always maintained that the international community must display strong solidarity and cooperation,” the statement said.
The MEA noted that like any responsible government, India’s first obligation is to ensure that there are adequate stocks of medicines for the requirement of its own people.
Temporary steps taken to restrict exports pharmaceutical products
In order to ensure this, some temporary steps were taken to restrict exports of a number of pharmaceutical products. In the meanwhile, a comprehensive assessment was made of possible requirements under different scenarios, the ministry said.
“After having confirmed the availability of medicines for all possible contingencies currently envisaged, these restrictions have been largely lifted,” it added.
Govt lifts export curbs on 24 pharma ingredients, medicines
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has also notified lifting restrictions on 14 drugs yesterday.
“With regard to paracetamol and 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,” Srivastava said.
Trump’s “Retaliation” threat
US President Donald Trump on Monday hinted at a possible retaliation if India does not lift its hold on the export of Hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malaria drug used in the treatment of coronavirus patients.
Trump speaking from the White House during the Coronavirus taskforce briefing said that India does very well with the US and he sees no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.
He said, “‘didn’t hear that that was his (Modi) decision. I know that he stopped it for other countries I spoke to him yesterday, very very good talk, and we’ll see whether or not that stays I wouldn’t be surprised if he would you know because India’s does very well with the United States,”.
