Government approves removal of complete ban on export of hydroxychloroquine

The ban on the export of both hydroxychloroquine API i.e. bulk drug and its formulations have been lifted. The commercial export of this drug was banned by the central government on 25 March. However, its consignments were sent to many countries on humanitarian grounds.

• Ban on export of hydroxychloroquine completely removed
• There was a ban on its commercial exports on 25 March
• Exports to many governments on humanitarian grounds

The central government has approved the proposal to completely ban the export of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug believed to be effective in dealing with Corona. Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, DV Sadanand Gowda has given this information.

He said on Wednesday that the ban on the export of both hydroxychloroquine’s API ie bulk drug and its formulations has been lifted. Significantly, the commercial export of this drug was banned by the central government on 25 March. However, its consignments were sent to many countries on humanitarian grounds. But it was being exported not to private companies but only to governments.

This is a condition

Union Minister Sadanand Gowda tweeted, “Apart from SEZ / EOU units, all other manufacturers will have to supply at least 20 percent of their total supply to the Indian market. DGFT has been asked to issue a formal notification in this regard.

In many countries, hydroxychloroquine is being used to deal with Kovid-19 patients. Apart from this, Gowda has also talked with pharma companies and senior officials of his ministry to increase pharma exports from the country.

It is worth mentioning that from April to January 2019-20, $ 1.22 billion worth of hydroxychloroquine API i.e. active pharma ingredient was exported from India. Meanwhile, about $ 5.50 billion was exported for formulations made of hydroxychloroquine. That is, the total exports of hydroxychloroquine during this period was about 6.72 billion dollars.

Great demand in America

According to the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA), the hydroxychloroquine drug is in great demand in the international market, including the US. According to an official of the Food and Drug Control Administration of Gujarat, 68 new licenses have been issued to manufacture this drug in Gujarat alone.

President Trump requested

India had approved the export of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and another important drug paracetamol to the governments of many countries including the US. US President Donald Trump himself called up PM Narendra Modi and requested to open the export.

Earlier, the production of hydroxychloroquine in India was 10 tons, which is now expected to reach 70 tons. Companies like Zydus, Ipca, have increased their production manifold. Apart from America, there is a demand for hydroxychloroquine from many countries like Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Pakistan, Nepal.