Donald Trump issued a warning to India over the supply of hydroxychloroquine drug. Now MEA spokesperson has said they will be supplying the drug to affected countries and the matter should not be politicised.
MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “We will also provide these essential drugs to other nations who have been particularly badly affected by the epidemic. We would therefore condemn any speculation in this regard or any attempts to politicise the matter.”
He also mentioned, we will be supplying hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to neighbouring countries that are dependent on us (India.)
“Given the enormity of the corona pandemic, India has always maintained the international community must show strong solidarity and co-operation In view of the humanitarian aspects of the epidemic, it has been decided that India
would licence paracetamol and HCQ in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities,” said Srivastava.
The official also said that there shouldn’t be unnecessary controversy over this matter. India has maintained that it will supply the essential drug to countries who need once the domestic requirements are met.
Srivastava said, “Like any responsible government, our first commitment is to ensure that there are sufficient stocks of medicines for the requirement of our people.”
Earlier, President Trump forwarned India that the US may retaliate if it did not export anti-malarial drug despite his personal request to Prime Minister Modi over a phone call. Trump said he would be surprised if India’s capital New Delhi did not relent as it has good relations with Washington.
Last week Trump said he has sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow the sale of hydroxychloroquine tablets ordered by the US to treat the growing number of coronavirus patients in his country, hours after India banned the export of the anti-malarial drug.
Over 10,000 people have died in US which has become the most-positive case nation after Italy and Spain. US has the highest number of infected cases at 360,000 cases.
On April 4, 2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said, The export of hydroxychloroquine and formulations made from hydroxychloroquine, therefore, shall remain prohibited, without any exception.
Just two days after, this decision has been reversed. There has been immense pressure on government of India because of request for hydroxychloroquine from over 25 nations.
Source: NY Times
