5.5 million hydroxychloroquine pills are en route to the United Arab Emirates from India. Scientists now believe that this drug can potentially treat deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19). This comes after Indian authorities banned the export of the medication earlier this month.
Is hydroxychloroquine the key to defeating Coronavirus?
Scientists across the globe are rushing to find a cure for the Coronavirus during the pandemic. Certainly, there’s a good chance that there will not be a vaccine until early 2021. In the interim, Doctors are exploring existing medicines and their applications against COVID-19. For example, hydroxychloroquine is one such drug that has come into the public eye recently.
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug. Furthermore, it is also useful against autoimmune diseases.
There has been a lot of interest in the effects of it on Coronavirus patients. There are many people who believe that it could be a miracle cure. Most importantly, this drug is cheap and easy to manufacture at scale. Therefore, if it works effectively then it could be a game-changer in the fight against the virus.
Scientists are still waiting for the results of the trials. In short, there isn’t any conclusive evidence of the benefits of it yet.
Why did India ban the export of hydroxychloroquine?
Indian authorities banned the export of hydroxychloroquine to ensure sufficient supplies are available for the people of India. United States President, Donald Trump applied political pressure to the Indians. Subsequently, Indian authorities relaxed the export of hydroxychloroquine.
How is India collaborating with the UAE to supply hydroxychloroquine?
India has agreed to send the UAE 5.5 million pills. Meanwhile, the first shipment is already on its way. This news comes directly from the UAE embassy in New Delhi.
