ICMR recommends Hydroxychloroquine to treat Corona Virus

The Indian Council of Medical Research had constituted a National Task Force to fight against COVID-19. The task force has recommended the use of Hydroxychloroquine to treat Corona Virus.

Highlights

According to the task force, the Hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat asymptomatic health care workers. It shall be used to treat health care workers and household contacts of the patients who are asymptomatic.

Hydroxychloroquine

The drug shall be provided to patients only through prescriptions. GoI recommends the use of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India app or helpline. The app allows self-reporting of the drug reactions. Also, while taking the drug, the asymptomatic contacts should maintain a self-quarantine.

Why Hydroxychloroquine?

The drug is usually prescribed to malaria patients. However, it is currently being used as an experimental treatment of COVID-19. Both South Korea and Italy have been using the drug to contain the spread of COVID-19. The US has also confirmed the efficiency of the in curing the disease in its early stages.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020