Covid-19: India Lifts Ban On Export Of Hydroxychloroquine

New Delhi: The Government of India on Wednesday decided to lift the ban on export of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Sadananda Gowda announced about the development.

Department of Pharmaceuticals has approved the lifting of ban on Export of Hydroxychloroquine API as well as formulations. Manufacturers except SEZ/EOU Units have to supply 20% production in the domestic market. DGFT has been asked to issue formal notification in this regard.

— Sadananda Gowda (@DVSadanandGowda) June 10, 2020

"Department of Pharmaceuticals has approved the lifting of ban on Export of Hydroxychloroquine API as well as formulations. Manufacturers except SEZ/EOU Units have to supply 20 per cent production in the domestic market. DGFT has been asked to issue formal notification in this regard," the Union Minister said in a tweet.

Soon after the announcement, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a notification (09/2015-20) dated June 10, 2020. This notification will amend the Export Policy of diagnostic kits, laboratory reagents and diagnostic apparatus.

It may be noted that Hydroxychloroquine has been touted as a potential cure for the SARS-nCoV and was even endorsed by US President Donald Trump as a 'Game Changer' in the fight against the disease. Its selective formulations are being administered to frontline workers in India as a precautionary drug (prophylaxis).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) resumed its trial of HCQ earlier this month after temporarily dropping the drug from its global study into experimental treatments for Covid-19.

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