New Delhi: India on Tuesday temporarily licensed the export of paracetamol and anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in appropriate quantities to some countries, that have been severely hit 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.
“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 development comes after many other nations including US and UAE requested India to export the drugs to tackle COVID-19, after it was found to be effective in laboratory studies and in-vivo studies.
The MEA noted that, as a responsible government, it is India’s obligation to serve its own people and ensure that there are adequate stocks of medicines for the requirement of the people.
“After having confirmed the availability of medicines for all possible contingencies currently envisaged, these restrictions have been largely lifted,” it added.
“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.
