- India has become the largest producer and exporterofHydroxychloroquine(HCQ), the most talked out medicine to curb the COVID-19 disease, with 70% of annual global production according to the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA); Sec-General Sudarshan Jain.
- India as largest HCQ producer: Currently, our nation is producing 40 tonnes, or 20 crore tablets of 200 mg each, of HCQ every month. The top pharma companies manufacturing this drug are Ipca Laboratories Ltd., ZydusCadila and Wallace Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Use of HCQ:
- Indian government has recommended the use of HCQ as a prophylaxis (prevention) and not as treatment. It has recommended for healthcare workers involved in the treatment of the disease or as a preventive medication for Covid-19 patients in the high-risk group.Each Covid-19 patient needs a 14-tablet course.
- Originally hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug.
