US to donate Ventilators to India

The United States recently announced that it will donate ventilators to India. The announcement is seen as a reciprocal gesture of India’s lift on the export ban of the anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine.

Hydroxychloroquine

India recently lifted the export ban over HCQ drugs. This benefitted the United States to larger extent. Also, US being one of the worst hit nations of COVID-19, the lift of ban was of great help. With the lift, around 50 million HCQ tablets were exported to the US.

However, lately studies are finding out that the drug is failing its efficacy in seriously ill patients. According to a study conducted in France and China, the drug failed in randomized controlled trials.

Both US and China had recommended the use of the drug under their national guidelines.

HCQ in India

ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) had recommended the drug in “Prophylactic treatment”. Prophylactic is preventive treatment.

HCQ in WHO

HCQ has been included in one of the four mega trials that are being conducted by WHO (World Health Organization). This includes HCQ, Lopinavir and Ritonavir, Lopinavir and Ritonavir along with Interferon, Remdesivir.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020