After Trump’s Retaliation Threat, India Lifts Restrictions On Hydroxychloroquine

Topline: In a U-turn, India will allow limited exports of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine that Donald Trump has claimed is a “game-changer” in the fight against coronavirus, after the U.S. president warned that India could face retaliation for restricting the drug’s supply.

• India banned the export of hydroxychloroquine over the weekend, as COVID-19 cases surged.
• But the restrictions were lifted on Tuesday on the anti-malaria drug, paracetamol and 24 other drugs and ingredients, after Indian authorities confirmed they had the medicine stock they needed.
• The move comes hours after Trump said India could face retaliation for its ban on hydroxychloroquine. India is one of the largest manufacturers of the drug.
• India is also one of the world’s main manufacturers of drugs, but its decision on March 3 to restrict the exports of 26 drugs and ingredients—including paracetamol and antibiotics—sparked concerns of a global supply shortage. 
• India’s restrictions were prompted by shortage concerns. India’s pharmaceutical firms source the majority of their ingredients from China, but factory closures threatened the supply chain. 

Crucial quote: Anurag Srivastava, a spokesman for India’s foreign ministry, said: “It has been decided that India would licence paracetamol and HCQ in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring 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.”

Key background:  Trump and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over the phone at the weekend and discussed the need to maintain a smooth global supply of “critical pharmaceuticals and medical supplies,” said Judd Deere, deputy White House press secretary.

Hydroxychloroquine has been under the spotlight after Trump touted it as a “game changer” in the fight against coronavirus, despite only anecdotal evidence that it might be effective, and warnings by scientists of severe side-effects, including nausea and vomiting.

Further reading: What Exactly Is Hydroxychloroquine, The Drug That Is Being Tested As The First Potential Coronavirus Treatment (Sai Balasubramanian)

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