COVID-19: India To Supply Drugs Crucial To Fight Coronavirus To 'Badly-Affected Countries'- 5 Points

New Delhi:

India will supply drugs essential in the fight against the novel coronavirus to nations who have been badly affected by the pandemic. Citing the need to show solidarity and cooperation in face of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has decided to partially lift the ban on export of paracetamol and anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine. The decision comes after US President Donald Trump has warned India of retaliation if it did not export the anti-malarial drug despite his personal request.

Here's All You Need To Know About The Story:

1. India will partially lift the ban on export of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol, officials said on Tuesday. India has banned export of hydroxychloroquine on March 25, after some studies said that that the drug could be used to fight COVID-19. India is the largest producer and exporter of the drug. India is learnt to have received requests from at least 20 countries including its immediate neighbours Sri Lanka and Nepal for supply of hydroxychloroquine.
2. Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs,  said that India would licence paracetamol and HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities. India will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic.
3. However, India will export the drug on a case-by-case basis after meeting all the domestic requirements. "Like any responsible government, our first obligation is to ensure that there are adequate stocks of medicines for the requirement of our own people," the MEA spokesperson said.
4. India's decision came a week after a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump where the US President  sought supply of hydroxychloroquine to the US to treat coronavirus infected people. Trump on Monday said he would be surprised if New Delhi did not relent to the request as it has good relations with Washington and warned India of retaliation if it did not export the anti-malarial drug.
5. Reacting to the government's decision, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said India must help all countries in their fight against coronavirus but lifesaving medicines should be made available to Indians first. "Friendship isn't about retaliation. India must help all nations in their hour of need but lifesaving medicines should be made available to Indians in ample quantities first," he said on Twitter.

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