India Completely Bans Overseas Export of Leading COVID-19 Treatment Chloroquine

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The Indian government has banned the export of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria treatment drug. This is expected to impact the global supply chain of hydroxychloroquine, which had been spotlighted as a potential treatment for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Bloomberg News, on the 4th, the Indian Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced on its official homepage that it would impose a complete ban on the overseas export of hydroxychloroquine. Previously, the Indian government allowed exports of hydroxychloroquine only for humanitarian purposes or for quantities already under contract, but now even these are prohibited.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The Indian government's decision is due to the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 patients within India. Hydroxychloroquine is also the drug introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump as one that could change the course of COVID-19 treatment. However, it has not yet been proven whether this drug is an effective cure for COVID-19.

South Korea, as well as the United States, France, and Italy, have approved the use of chloroquine for treating severe COVID-19 patients.

Meanwhile, India has imposed lockdown measures across the entire country to prevent the spread of COVID-19.