Bolsonaro bets big on Hydroxychloroquine: 3rd highest COVID-19 cases in Brazil South American continent Brazil is now emerging as a COVID-19 hotspot. The pandemic has claimed around 19,000 deaths. However, the Brazilian PM Jair Bolsonaro only thinks that coronavirus is just a flu. Watch report.

Bolsonaro bets big on Hydroxychloroquine: 3rd highest COVID-19 cases in Brazil

The first UK frontline National Health Service (NHS) worker will participate in COPCOV -- multinational interventional clinical study into the prevention of the coronavirus infection using the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine.

Over 130 UK frontline healthcare workers have lost their lives from COVID-19 and the new study will test if hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine can be used to effectively protect these frontline medical staff, allowing them to undertake their vital roles more safely.

Under the multinational plan, the investigational medicine will be given to more than 40,000 healthcare workers from the UK and Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. It will test whether the drugs can prevent healthcare workers exposed to the virus from contracting it.

Accord Healthcare, a UK-based medicines manufacturer, said it has donated over 2 million tablets to enable the "landmark trial" to go ahead.

This comes amid criticism of US President Donald Trump who admitted to using the drug as a preventive medicine despite it being unproven to be effective against the deadly virus and despite warnings that it may be unsafe.

The first UK frontline National Health Service (NHS) worker will participate in COPCOV -- multinational interventional clinical study into the prevention of the coronavirus infection using the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine.

The first UK frontline National Health Service (NHS) worker will participate in COPCOV -- multinational interventional clinical study into the prevention of the coronavirus infection using the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine. Over 130 UK frontline healthcare workers have lost their lives from COVID-19 and the new study will test if hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine can be used to effectively protect these frontline medical staff, allowing them to undertake their vital roles more safely. Under the multinational plan, the investigational medicine will be given to more than 40,000 healthcare workers from the UK and Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. It will test whether the drugs can prevent healthcare workers exposed to the virus from contracting it. Accord Healthcare, a UK-based medicines manufacturer, said it has donated over 2 million tablets to enable the "landmark trial" to go ahead. This comes amid criticism of US President Donald Trump who admitted to using the drug as a preventive medicine despite it being unproven to be effective against the deadly virus and despite warnings that it may be unsafe.

Britain begins hydroxychloroquine trial to test coronavirus prevention

US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Tuesday defended taking a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the novel coronavirus despite medical warnings about its use.

"People are going to have to make up their own mind,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said about hydroxychloroquine during a visit to the US&nbsp;Capitol. "I think it gives you an additional level of safety."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-confirms-trump-is-taking-anti-malarial-drug-to-ward-off-covid-19-299538" hreflang="en">White House confirms Trump is taking anti-malarial drug to ward off COVID-19</a>

The US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration has warned about potential serious side effects with the use of the drug in COVID-19 patients.

Weeks ago,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had promoted the drug as a potential treatment based on a positive report about its use against the virus, but subsequent studies found that it was not helpful.

The White House physician, Sean Conley, said in a memo released late on Monday that he and the president had discussed the evidence for and against taking the drug and had agreed that "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks."

Vice President Mike Pence, whose press secretary, Katie Miller, has contracted the coronavirus, said in an interview that he was not taking the drug.

"I'm not but I would never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician," Pence said, according to a transcript of the interview. He noted the FDA had approved "off-label use" of the drug when prescribed by a physician.

"My physician has not recommended that but I wouldn't hesitate to take the counsel of my doctor. Any American should do likewise," he said.

At a meeting later at the White House,&nbsp;Trump's cabinet members also defended the drug's efficacy in treating coronavirus infections.

"I think it's worth it as a line of defense and I'll stay on it for a little while longer,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said at the meeting. "It's gotten a bad reputation only because I'm promoting it."

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended taking a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the novel coronavirus despite medical warnings about its use.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended taking a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the novel coronavirus despite medical warnings about its use. "People are going to have to make up their own mind," Trump said about hydroxychloroquine during a visit to the US Capitol. "I think it gives you an additional level of safety." Also read: White House confirms Trump is taking anti-malarial drug to ward off COVID-19 The US Food and Drug Administration has warned about potential serious side effects with the use of the drug in COVID-19 patients. Weeks ago, Trump had promoted the drug as a potential treatment based on a positive report about its use against the virus, but subsequent studies found that it was not helpful. The White House physician, Sean Conley, said in a memo released late on Monday that he and the president had discussed the evidence for and against taking the drug and had agreed that "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks." Vice President Mike Pence, whose press secretary, Katie Miller, has contracted the coronavirus, said in an interview that he was not taking the drug. "I'm not but I would never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician," Pence said, according to a transcript of the interview. He noted the FDA had approved "off-label use" of the drug when prescribed by a physician. "My physician has not recommended that but I wouldn't hesitate to take the counsel of my doctor. Any American should do likewise," he said. At a meeting later at the White House, Trump's cabinet members also defended the drug's efficacy in treating coronavirus infections. "I think it's worth it as a line of defense and I'll stay on it for a little while longer," Trump said at the meeting. "It's gotten a bad reputation only because I'm promoting it."

Trump defends his use of unproven treatment as prevention against coronavirus

US President Donald Trump has called House speaker Nancy Pelosi&nbsp;a ''sick woman''&nbsp;with ''mental problems''&nbsp;over comments on his usage of an unapproved drug to treat coronavirus.

Earlier, in an interview, US Democrat Pelosi said&nbsp;Trump should not be&nbsp;taking the drug hydroxychloroquine&nbsp;to protect&nbsp;against contracting the coronavirus because he is ''morbidly obese.''

The President revealed on Monday that he had been taking hydroxychloroquine in addition to zinc as a preventative measure, saying he heard positive reviews of the drug from front-line health-care workers.

Trump said he consulted with the White House physician about taking the drug, and the White House released a letter Monday evening from physician Sean Conley saying the two&nbsp;determined "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks."

Trump and Pelosi have traded barbs for years, including over her frequent public assertion that she ''prays''&nbsp;for him.

Pelosi notably ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech at the State of the Union in February after the president declined to shake her hand when he entered the chamber.

US President Donald Trump has called House speaker Nancy Pelosi a ''sick woman'' with ''mental problems'' over comments on his usage of an unapproved drug to treat coronavirus.

US President Donald Trump has called House speaker Nancy Pelosi a ''sick woman'' with ''mental problems'' over comments on his usage of an unapproved drug to treat coronavirus. Earlier, in an interview, US Democrat Pelosi said Trump should not be taking the drug hydroxychloroquine to protect against contracting the coronavirus because he is ''morbidly obese.'' The President revealed on Monday that he had been taking hydroxychloroquine in addition to zinc as a preventative measure, saying he heard positive reviews of the drug from front-line health-care workers. Trump said he consulted with the White House physician about taking the drug, and the White House released a letter Monday evening from physician Sean Conley saying the two determined "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks." Trump and Pelosi have traded barbs for years, including over her frequent public assertion that she ''prays'' for him. Pelosi notably ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech at the State of the Union in February after the president declined to shake her hand when he entered the chamber.

Trump calls Nancy Pelosi a 'sick woman' with 'mental problems'

The White House Director of Strategic Communications has confirmed that US President Donald Trump was prescribed hydroxychloroquine and has been consuming the&nbsp;anti-malarial drug&nbsp;for a week and a half.

Earlier,&nbsp;Trump, noting that he has tested negative for the virus and shows no symptoms, said he'd been taking the drug as a preventative measure.

His remarks on Monday immediately grabbed&nbsp;headlines.&nbsp;US deaths from COVID-19 has topped 90,000 people, almost a third of the total world toll.

Trump’s doctor, Sean Conley, released a memorandum stating that he and the doctor had discussed the use of the drug, but did not confirm in the memo that the US president was actually taking the drug.

Trump has shown interest in promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine&nbsp;for weeks,&nbsp;even if some doctors think it does not work for coronavirus patients and US government regulators warn it has "not been shown to be safe."

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been warning since April that the drug should not be used for that purpose because it could cause irregular heartbeats and other cardiac trauma.

Trump has often played down the dangers of coronavirus, including last week when he said it threatened only a small number of people. He also pointedly refuses to wear a mask, despite federal recommendations to do so and the fact that most of his staff have taken to covering their faces in public.

The White House Director of Strategic Communications has confirmed that US President Donald Trump was prescribed hydroxychloroquine and has been consuming the anti-malarial drug for a week and a half.

The White House Director of Strategic Communications has confirmed that US President Donald Trump was prescribed hydroxychloroquine and has been consuming the anti-malarial drug for a week and a half. Earlier, Trump, noting that he has tested negative for the virus and shows no symptoms, said he'd been taking the drug as a preventative measure. His remarks on Monday immediately grabbed headlines. US deaths from COVID-19 has topped 90,000 people, almost a third of the total world toll. Trump’s doctor, Sean Conley, released a memorandum stating that he and the doctor had discussed the use of the drug, but did not confirm in the memo that the US president was actually taking the drug. Trump has shown interest in promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine for weeks, even if some doctors think it does not work for coronavirus patients and US government regulators warn it has "not been shown to be safe." The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been warning since April that the drug should not be used for that purpose because it could cause irregular heartbeats and other cardiac trauma. Trump has often played down the dangers of coronavirus, including last week when he said it threatened only a small number of people. He also pointedly refuses to wear a mask, despite federal recommendations to do so and the fact that most of his staff have taken to covering their faces in public.

White House confirms Trump is taking anti-malarial drug to ward off COVID-19

The Indian mission in Uzbekistan on Sunday was able to send back 21 stranded Indians and interestingly the same flight went back carrying stranded Uzbek nationals and HCQ Medicine to the country. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tashkent, India's envoy to Uzbekistan Santosh Jha said no case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community and mission before the pan Indian lockdown was announced sent back more than 100 Indian nationals stranded in the country. Uzbekistan has reported around 2300 COVID cases and 10 deaths with fast recoveries.&nbsp;

WION: How is the mission preparing for the mega repatriation plan that is due to start.&nbsp; 
 
Santosh Jha: On Sunday, 21 Indian nationals were brought to India by Uzbek Airways flight. This was a special flight organised by govt of Uzbekistan aimed at bringing a large number of Uzbek nationals stranded in India. So we used this opportunity to go out to the Indian community and seek out those who are interested in travelling to India. Unfortunately only 21 were ready in the short notice given out to them and they were able to make it. Earlier on March 21, well before the restriction, we have put more recently we had 122 stranded Indian tourists sent to India by similar Uzbekistan airways special aircraft. So we have been able to repatriate a large number of Indians. Many Indians live on a permanent basis mostly workers, 1500. We 300 professional businessmen residing in Uzbekistan. We have been in regular touch with all of them. I have been holding video conferences with those who are far off, including those who are in Tashkent, with the various leaders who have created a network by which we regularly exchange situation reports. We are reaching out to them via social media, we have 24*7 emergency telephone lines for emergencies. We haven't had any COVID cases here among the Indians. We did have 34 odd people who were put in quarantine on India on arrival from India and other parts of the world in the early phase of the COVID crisis but they have all been now been taken out of the Quartinine and are healthy. We are very much in control, the Indian community very very cooperative and very very responsive.&nbsp;

WION: How are you reaching out to Indians stranded...and any COVID positive Indians, if yes how mission and local authorities are reaching out to them 
 
Santosh Jha: I the first phase, we had a problem, because Uzbekistan gets a large number of Indian tourist. So people have come here for tourism and suddenly these flights were cancelled and no regular way of returning to India and that is when we got in touch and we found 122 such people and were able to put them on Uzbekistan airways flight. This was just one day before India put in place complete lockdown on all incoming passengers from outside. We were able to act timely and among those 122 passengers, there were 38 whom we provided accommodation and brought their tickets because they had exhausted all the money in the 7-8 days extra they had to stay. Since then we don't have people in that category. Most of the people have been able to fend for themselves and we have been in touch with them. One odd case, we had to provide accommodation for a while, the person has gone. we have one case of a medical emergency, the person was on Sunday's flight. The situation is more in control, as I said, most Indians who live here have permanent residences, they have establishments, they are earning money, living here either as professionals in factories or are businessmen. Some of these businessmen are in the pharma sector and they are contributing to COVID fight by supplying medicines and medical equipment to govt of Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Uzbekistan cooperating on COVID pandemic? EAM spoke to Uzbek FM 
 
Santosh Jha: EAM spoke to Uzbek FM on Friday, before that a week ago deputy PM of Uzbekistan spoke to commerce and industry minister and they conversed how our respective approaches are going on in the fight against COVID and how we can cooperate in this fight. Incidentally, Uzbekistan flight which repatriated Indians will be bringing in medicines from India, which will be supplied to Govt of Uzbekistan--HCQ tablets. Uzbekistan govt had requested for--and I will be handing over to govt of Uzbekistan later tonight. We remain in touch and we have string cooperation, and cooperation has grown very very rapidly in the last year.&nbsp;

WION: How has the ground situation in Uzbekistan changed? 
 
Santosh Jha: Uzbekistan has more or less followed the pattern that we see in India, the lockdown has been very similar, around the same time, it happened in India, and the response in term of how the numbers have come down has been very remarkable. A total number of people infected is around 2300 but what is remarkable has been recover rate which has been very high, almost 3rd of people who have been infected have recovered and infection rates have come down what is a most remarkable sight in this part of the world is that the number of deaths has been remarkably low. Out of 2300 people, about 10 deaths have been reported. If you follow some of our tweets, we also had a pet belonging to a family, who was sent back to India today and has been subjecting of some tweets by Indian customs.

WION: How have been Indian diplomats faring? 
 
Santosh Jha: We are on the frontlines, we will certainly want to remain safe but we can't be aloof. We remain in touch with the Indian community.

The Indian mission in Uzbekistan on Sunday was able to send back 21 stranded Indians and interestingly the same flight went back carrying stranded Uzbek nationals and HCQ Medicine to the country.

The Indian mission in Uzbekistan on Sunday was able to send back 21 stranded Indians and interestingly the same flight went back carrying stranded Uzbek nationals and HCQ Medicine to the country. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tashkent, India's envoy to Uzbekistan Santosh Jha said no case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community and mission before the pan Indian lockdown was announced sent back more than 100 Indian nationals stranded in the country. Uzbekistan has reported around 2300 COVID cases and 10 deaths with fast recoveries. WION: How is the mission preparing for the mega repatriation plan that is due to start. Santosh Jha: On Sunday, 21 Indian nationals were brought to India by Uzbek Airways flight. This was a special flight organised by govt of Uzbekistan aimed at bringing a large number of Uzbek nationals stranded in India. So we used this opportunity to go out to the Indian community and seek out those who are interested in travelling to India. Unfortunately only 21 were ready in the short notice given out to them and they were able to make it. Earlier on March 21, well before the restriction, we have put more recently we had 122 stranded Indian tourists sent to India by similar Uzbekistan airways special aircraft. So we have been able to repatriate a large number of Indians. Many Indians live on a permanent basis mostly workers, 1500. We 300 professional businessmen residing in Uzbekistan. We have been in regular touch with all of them. I have been holding video conferences with those who are far off, including those who are in Tashkent, with the various leaders who have created a network by which we regularly exchange situation reports. We are reaching out to them via social media, we have 24*7 emergency telephone lines for emergencies. We haven't had any COVID cases here among the Indians. We did have 34 odd people who were put in quarantine on India on arrival from India and other parts of the world in the early phase of the COVID crisis but they have all been now been taken out of the Quartinine and are healthy. We are very much in control, the Indian community very very cooperative and very very responsive. WION: How are you reaching out to Indians stranded...and any COVID positive Indians, if yes how mission and local authorities are reaching out to them Santosh Jha: I the first phase, we had a problem, because Uzbekistan gets a large number of Indian tourist. So people have come here for tourism and suddenly these flights were cancelled and no regular way of returning to India and that is when we got in touch and we found 122 such people and were able to put them on Uzbekistan airways flight. This was just one day before India put in place complete lockdown on all incoming passengers from outside. We were able to act timely and among those 122 passengers, there were 38 whom we provided accommodation and brought their tickets because they had exhausted all the money in the 7-8 days extra they had to stay. Since then we don't have people in that category. Most of the people have been able to fend for themselves and we have been in touch with them. One odd case, we had to provide accommodation for a while, the person has gone. we have one case of a medical emergency, the person was on Sunday's flight. The situation is more in control, as I said, most Indians who live here have permanent residences, they have establishments, they are earning money, living here either as professionals in factories or are businessmen. Some of these businessmen are in the pharma sector and they are contributing to COVID fight by supplying medicines and medical equipment to govt of Uzbekistan. WION: How are India and Uzbekistan cooperating on COVID pandemic? EAM spoke to Uzbek FM Santosh Jha: EAM spoke to Uzbek FM on Friday, before that a week ago deputy PM of Uzbekistan spoke to commerce and industry minister and they conversed how our respective approaches are going on in the fight against COVID and how we can cooperate in this fight. Incidentally, Uzbekistan flight which repatriated Indians will be bringing in medicines from India, which will be supplied to Govt of Uzbekistan--HCQ tablets. Uzbekistan govt had requested for--and I will be handing over to govt of Uzbekistan later tonight. We remain in touch and we have string cooperation, and cooperation has grown very very rapidly in the last year. WION: How has the ground situation in Uzbekistan changed? Santosh Jha: Uzbekistan has more or less followed the pattern that we see in India, the lockdown has been very similar, around the same time, it happened in India, and the response in term of how the numbers have come down has been very remarkable. A total number of people infected is around 2300 but what is remarkable has been recover rate which has been very high, almost 3rd of people who have been infected have recovered and infection rates have come down what is a most remarkable sight in this part of the world is that the number of deaths has been remarkably low. Out of 2300 people, about 10 deaths have been reported. If you follow some of our tweets, we also had a pet belonging to a family, who was sent back to India today and has been subjecting of some tweets by Indian customs. WION: How have been Indian diplomats faring? Santosh Jha: We are on the frontlines, we will certainly want to remain safe but we can't be aloof. We remain in touch with the Indian community.

New Delhi sends hydroxychloroquine to Uzbekistan in flight that brought back stranded Indian nationals

A fired scientist has alleged that the Trump administration ignored the concern of doctors in the US over the import of hydroxychloroquine from uninspected factories in India and Pakistan, and flooded the country with the unproven and potentially dangerous anti-malarial drug.

When fired, Rick Bright was the head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, a research agency within the HHS. He reported directly to Robert Kadlec, the assistant secretary of preparedness and response at the HHS.

The American scientist, in a complainted to the US Office of Special Counsel, alleged that top officials of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) repeatedly ignored his messages and that of others over the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medicines like hydroxychloroquine in particular.

In Bright's experience, drugs from uninspected factories can be contaminated or dosed improperly and this could obviously be dangerous to those who took the medication.

The Trump administration imported nearly five crore units of hydroxychloroquine which in March received Emergency Use Authorisation from the FDA.

The Trump administration, the complaint said, was not interested in hearing from Bright and his department or subject matter experts.

Bright and his FDA colleagues were also concerned about the quality and potential toxicity of the chloroquine supplies produced and shipped in from facilities in India and Pakistan that were not approved by the FDA and therefore, not approved to be used in the US marketplace.

The coronavirus pandemic has killed over 71,000 people and infected more than 1.2 million in the US.

A fired scientist has alleged that the Trump administration ignored the concern of doctors in the US over the import of hydroxychloroquine from uninspected factories in India and Pakistan, and flooded the country with the unproven and potentially dangerous anti-malarial drug.

A fired scientist has alleged that the Trump administration ignored the concern of doctors in the US over the import of hydroxychloroquine from uninspected factories in India and Pakistan, and flooded the country with the unproven and potentially dangerous anti-malarial drug. When fired, Rick Bright was the head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, a research agency within the HHS. He reported directly to Robert Kadlec, the assistant secretary of preparedness and response at the HHS. The American scientist, in a complainted to the US Office of Special Counsel, alleged that top officials of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) repeatedly ignored his messages and that of others over the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medicines like hydroxychloroquine in particular. In Bright's experience, drugs from uninspected factories can be contaminated or dosed improperly and this could obviously be dangerous to those who took the medication. The Trump administration imported nearly five crore units of hydroxychloroquine which in March received Emergency Use Authorisation from the FDA. The Trump administration, the complaint said, was not interested in hearing from Bright and his department or subject matter experts. Bright and his FDA colleagues were also concerned about the quality and potential toxicity of the chloroquine supplies produced and shipped in from facilities in India and Pakistan that were not approved by the FDA and therefore, not approved to be used in the US marketplace. The coronavirus pandemic has killed over 71,000 people and infected more than 1.2 million in the US.

Trump administration ignored concern over HCQ import from India, Pak, says fired whistleblower

Continuing to reaching out countries with medicines, India has cleared 2.50 metric ton of Hydroxychloroquine to Mexico. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mexico City, Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra talked about the recent conversation between foreign ministers of both the countries, how the mission is reaching out to the stranded Indians. No case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community in Mexico &amp; about 265 Indians have registered for repatriation.&nbsp;

WION: EAM Spoke to Mexican FM, how are we reaching out to the country at the time of covid crisis? any cooperation underway? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: EAM and Foreign Minister Ebrard exchanged notes on the Covid-19 situation and the various strategies being followed. They agreed that India and Mexico will share experiences of best public health practices. Post-Covid economic recovery was also a focus of their conversation.

WION: Have we talked about some covid containment model with them or have they shown interest on ours? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: EAM informed FM that, in response to Mexico’s request, Government of India had cleared the commercial export of 2.50 MT of Hydroxychloroquine API to Mexico.

WION: How many Indians stranded in Mexico and how are we reaching out to them? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: About 265 Indians stranded in Mexico have registered with us and await the opportunity to return home soon. The Embassy is in regular touch with them and has provided dedicated 24x7 emergency contact service. Wherever required, help with visa extensions, accommodation arrangements etc is being provided by us. I have personally held a Facebook Live interaction with them to assuage their concerns. Fortunately, all of them are in good health and fair spirits. There has not been a single case of infection reported so far among any of the 6500-strong Indian community in Mexico. Am proud and happy that they are taking all precautions and observing social distancing and other guidelines of the Mexican Government.

WION: How has been the situation on the ground, how are our diplomats doing, is it tough? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: Mexico is witnessing an increasing number of confirmed cases and the healthcare system is facing considerable challenges. In recent weeks, the Mexican Government has tried hard to increase hospital capacities and critical supplies. My colleagues in the Embassy and their family members are safe and well so far. &nbsp;All of us are taking the necessary precautions. We are mostly working from home but making full use of technology and ensuring that no aspect of our work suffers. Lockdown can be difficult for anyone, and this is an unprecedented crisis, but we are all determined to face the challenge and eventually prevail over it.

Continuing to reaching out countries with medicines, India has cleared 2.50 metric ton of Hydroxychloroquine to Mexico. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mexico City, Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra talked about the recent conversation between foreign ministers of both the countries, how the mission is reaching out to the stranded Indians.

Continuing to reaching out countries with medicines, India has cleared 2.50 metric ton of Hydroxychloroquine to Mexico. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mexico City, Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra talked about the recent conversation between foreign ministers of both the countries, how the mission is reaching out to the stranded Indians. No case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community in Mexico & about 265 Indians have registered for repatriation. WION: EAM Spoke to Mexican FM, how are we reaching out to the country at the time of covid crisis? any cooperation underway? Manpreet Vohra: EAM and Foreign Minister Ebrard exchanged notes on the Covid-19 situation and the various strategies being followed. They agreed that India and Mexico will share experiences of best public health practices. Post-Covid economic recovery was also a focus of their conversation. WION: Have we talked about some covid containment model with them or have they shown interest on ours? Manpreet Vohra: EAM informed FM that, in response to Mexico’s request, Government of India had cleared the commercial export of 2.50 MT of Hydroxychloroquine API to Mexico. WION: How many Indians stranded in Mexico and how are we reaching out to them? Manpreet Vohra: About 265 Indians stranded in Mexico have registered with us and await the opportunity to return home soon. The Embassy is in regular touch with them and has provided dedicated 24x7 emergency contact service. Wherever required, help with visa extensions, accommodation arrangements etc is being provided by us. I have personally held a Facebook Live interaction with them to assuage their concerns. Fortunately, all of them are in good health and fair spirits. There has not been a single case of infection reported so far among any of the 6500-strong Indian community in Mexico. Am proud and happy that they are taking all precautions and observing social distancing and other guidelines of the Mexican Government. WION: How has been the situation on the ground, how are our diplomats doing, is it tough? Manpreet Vohra: Mexico is witnessing an increasing number of confirmed cases and the healthcare system is facing considerable challenges. In recent weeks, the Mexican Government has tried hard to increase hospital capacities and critical supplies. My colleagues in the Embassy and their family members are safe and well so far. All of us are taking the necessary precautions. We are mostly working from home but making full use of technology and ensuring that no aspect of our work suffers. Lockdown can be difficult for anyone, and this is an unprecedented crisis, but we are all determined to face the challenge and eventually prevail over it.

India clears commercial export of 2.50 MT of Hydroxychloroquine  to Mexico: Manpreet Vohra

India will be soon sending 2nd consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE. The second consignment will include 34 million tablets of HCQ.&nbsp;

Earlier India had sent 5.5 million tablets of the drug to the west Asian country with which New Delhi has close ties.

This comes even as New Delhi allowed 88 specialist, doctors and nurses to go back to UAE who were stranded in India due to lockdown.

Many Gulf countries have requested for essential medicines like hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol with New Delhi sending aid and supplies to the region on a commercial basis. India is sending hydroxychloroquine to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Egypt and Palestine.

As part of outreach to extended neighbourhood, India has sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait to help the country deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

PM and EAM have already been in touch with gulf counterparts in the past few weeks over COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries --Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman-- as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Egypt.&nbsp;

EAM Jaishankar has had telephonic conversations with his counterparts of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23rd and with Foreign Ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on 24 April. He had earlier spoken to Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria.

India will be soon sending 2nd consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE. The second consignment will include 34 million tablets of HCQ. Earlier India had sent 5.

India will be soon sending 2nd consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE. The second consignment will include 34 million tablets of HCQ. Earlier India had sent 5.5 million tablets of the drug to the west Asian country with which New Delhi has close ties. This comes even as New Delhi allowed 88 specialist, doctors and nurses to go back to UAE who were stranded in India due to lockdown. Many Gulf countries have requested for essential medicines like hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol with New Delhi sending aid and supplies to the region on a commercial basis. India is sending hydroxychloroquine to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Egypt and Palestine. As part of outreach to extended neighbourhood, India has sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait to help the country deal with the COVID-19 crisis. PM and EAM have already been in touch with gulf counterparts in the past few weeks over COVID-19 crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries --Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman-- as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Egypt. EAM Jaishankar has had telephonic conversations with his counterparts of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23rd and with Foreign Ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on 24 April. He had earlier spoken to Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria.

India to send second consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE

India has given go-ahead to Malaysia's request for hydroxychloroquine(HCQ), a drug that is being called a game-changer to deal with COVID crisis. Kuala Lumpur had requested hydroxychloroquine from India to deal with COVID even as New Delhi got the request from several countries for the drug.

India has given go-ahead to Malaysia's request for hydroxychloroquine(HCQ), a drug that is being called a game-changer to deal with COVID crisis. Kuala Lumpur had requested hydroxychloroquine from India to deal with COVID even as New Delhi got the request from several countries for the drug. New Delhi has gifted 5 million HCQ tablets to countries in the neighbourhood and the IOR, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Eurasia and WANA regions. It is also providing 1.32 million Paracetamol (PCM) tablets to its neighbouring and other partner countries. Total Value of the medicines and other supplies to be gifted by India stands at INR 383 million (about USD 5 million). In addition to this, India has given clearance to commercial consignments of around 285 million HCQ tablets to 40 countries. Commercial consignments of around 500 million PCM tablets for 60 countries have also been cleared. Ties between India and Malaysia are headed towards a positive trajectory under the new leadership. Earlier this month, Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar met Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein regarding cooperation on COVID-19. That was the second meet between both of them in the last month. Indian high commissioner was the first envoy received by the Malaysian foreign minister on March 18, and on the same day, HC Kumar also called on the new Malaysian PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin. India had allowed eighteen special Malaysian flights for the evacuation of Malaysian nationals since it had imposed a ban on international flights on March 20. This is the biggest number of flights New Delhi allowed for any foreign country. The flights brought back 2,833 Malaysian nationals, which is again the maximum number of citizens repatriated till now for any foreign country.

India gives go head to Malaysia's hydroxychloroquine request

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday cautioned against the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which US President Donald Trump constantly and strongly advocates to treat coronavirus.&nbsp;

The FDA on Friday said that it was aware of increased use of HCQ and chloroquine through outpatient prescriptions and malaria drugs could lead to abnormal heart rhythms and dangerously rapid heart rate.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-over-50000-fatalities-us-witnesses-lowest-coronavirus-death-toll-in-three-weeks-294668">With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks</a>

After the FDA's announcement, US President Donald Trump said, "You hear it both ways," in a White House briefing on Friday. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-unite-to-accelerate-covid-19-tests-vaccine-us-stays-away-from-who-initiative-294673">World leaders unite to accelerate COVID-19 tests, vaccine; US stays away from WHO initiative</a>

"I'm not a doctor. A study has to be done. If it helps, it's great. If it doesn't work, don't do it," Trump said.

Since mid-March, Trump has strongly supported the use of chloroquine, despite a lack of studies to substantiate his claims.&nbsp;

He has described the drug as a "gift of God" and a "game-changer" to treat COVID-19.&nbsp;

Dr. Rick Bright, who was the head of the US agency responsible to develop coronavirus vaccine, said on Wednesday that he was sacked as he was opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by Trump.

The results of the largest study yet on hydroxychloroquine, funded by the US government, said that the drug showed no benefit against the virus over standard care, and in fact caused more deaths.&nbsp;

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday cautioned against the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which US President Donald Trump constantly and strongly advocates to treat coronavirus.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday cautioned against the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which US President Donald Trump constantly and strongly advocates to treat coronavirus. The FDA on Friday said that it was aware of increased use of HCQ and chloroquine through outpatient prescriptions and malaria drugs could lead to abnormal heart rhythms and dangerously rapid heart rate. Also read | With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks After the FDA's announcement, US President Donald Trump said, "You hear it both ways," in a White House briefing on Friday. Also read | World leaders unite to accelerate COVID-19 tests, vaccine; US stays away from WHO initiative "I'm not a doctor. A study has to be done. If it helps, it's great. If it doesn't work, don't do it," Trump said. Since mid-March, Trump has strongly supported the use of chloroquine, despite a lack of studies to substantiate his claims. He has described the drug as a "gift of God" and a "game-changer" to treat COVID-19. Dr. Rick Bright, who was the head of the US agency responsible to develop coronavirus vaccine, said on Wednesday that he was sacked as he was opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by Trump. The results of the largest study yet on hydroxychloroquine, funded by the US government, said that the drug showed no benefit against the virus over standard care, and in fact caused more deaths.

US FDA warns against use of Donald Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus

India's decision to export hydroxychloroquine has received praise from across the world and the Russian Envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev was the latest to laud India's move. Watch report.

Russia lauds India's COVID-19 response: Move to export HCQ 'Nobel'

In Brazil, a Chloroquine study was aborted after two patients died. Hydroxychloroquine is been called a miracle drug. But, experts say it could have dangerous side effects. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Hydroxychloroquine: Miracle drug or killer?

US President Donald Trump has championed the cause of hydroxychloroquine. The anti-malarial pill that's now being stocked up by many countries. With a long way to go for a vaccine.

US President Donald Trump has championed the cause of hydroxychloroquine. The anti-malarial pill that's now being stocked up by many countries. With a long way to go for a vaccine. It's being considered as a plan B. Also read: Amid coronavirus outbreak, China's economy contracts, job losses mount But a trial conducted to test the drug in Brazil turned fatal. Instead of saving lives. The drug's usage is taking lives. Research has emerged that there is no evidence that it cures the infection and the drug is known to have side-effects on a patient's heart. Also read: Germany approves first trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate It is currently considered the next best thing to a vaccine for COVID-19. Anti-malarial pill hydroxychloroquine has been touted as the go-to drug. American president Donald Trump called it "the biggest game-changer in the history of medicine. But any hopes of it becoming one are crashing down. Red flags are being raised by one research study after another. The drug is not just failing to save lives but is endangering them even further. Starting with the US where a study showed higher death rates of those taking the drug compared to those who did not take it. A study in France too proved that hydroxychloroquine doesn't reduce deaths or admissions to ICUs. A research trial in Brazil even proved fatal. Two patients got high doses of the drug and developed dangerous heart problems. A known side-effect of hydroxychloroquine that led to their deaths. Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has been a major Trump ally on this drug. Echoing Donald Trump's extravagant claims, he had ordered the Brazilian army to stock up on it. But now the fundamental safety of administering the drug is being questioned. The signs have been ominous right from the beginning. Even as President Trump went to town with it, his food & drug authority chief Stephen Hahn's inhibitions were clear. He was reluctant to approve the drug without clinical trials. Same were the sentiments of America's COVID-19 taskforce chief Dr Anthony Fauci too. The trials to study the drug's efficacy in treating COVID-19 are turning dangerous. None of the results of the studies conducted so far have been peer-reviewed. In the meanwhile, the drug itself has become a political matter. Is hydroxychloroquine risking people's lives? It's a drug that can be widely used. It's also a drug with serious side effects, especially to the heart. Its efficacy is the subject of a debate that is far from settled.

Will Trump's 'game-changing' hydroxychloroquine complicate battle against COVID-19?

Hydroxychloroquine is proving to be a dangerous medicine for treating the new coronavirus patients. Study showed that there were more deaths in those who were given hydroxychloroquine. Watch this video to know more.

Study: Hydroxychloroquine might have damaged other organs of patients

A malaria drug widely touted as a potential cure for COVID-19 showed no benefit against the disease over standard care -- and was in fact associated with more deaths, the biggest study of its kind showed Tuesday.

The US government funded analysis of how American military veterans fared on hydroxychloroquine was posted on a medical preprint site and has not yet been peer reviewed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-treatment-chloroquine-and-hydroxychloroquine-can-cause-heart-problems-292401">COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems</a>

The experiment had several important limitations, but adds to a growing body of doubt over the efficacy of the medicine that counts President Donald Trump and right wing news&nbsp;channel Fox News among its biggest backers.

Researchers looked at the medical records of 368 veterans hospitalized nationwide who either died or were discharged by April 11.

Death rates for patients on hydroxychloroquine were 28 percent, compared to 22 percent when it was taken with the anti-biotic azithromycin -- a combination favored by French scientist Didier Raoult, whose study on the subject in March triggered a surge of global interest in the drug.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-bought-over-29-million-hydroxychloroquine-doses-from-india-trump-291292">US bought over 29 million hydroxychloroquine doses from India: Trump</a>

The death rate for those receiving only standard care was 11 percent.

Hydroxychloroquine, with or without azithromycin, was more likely to be prescribed to patients with more severe illness, but the authors found that increased mortality persisted even after they statistically adjusted for higher rates of use.

Other drawbacks include the fact that the study did not assign people randomly to groups, because it was a retrospective analysis meaning it looked back on what had already happened.

In addition, the results are hard to generalize because the population was highly specific: most of the patients were male, with a median age over 65, and black, a group that is&nbsp;disproportionately affected by underlying illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

There was no added risk of being on ventilator among the hydroxychloroquine only group, leading the authors to suggest that increased mortality among this group might be attributable to side-effects outside the respiratory system.

Previous research has found that the medicine is risky for patients with certain heart rhythm issues and can cause blackouts, seizures or at times cardiac arrest in this group.

Hydroxychloroquine and a related compound chloroquine have been used for decades to treat&nbsp;

Washington,&nbsp;United States&nbsp;|&nbsp;AFP&nbsp;|&nbsp;Tuesday 4/22/2020 - 03:54 UTC+5&nbsp;|&nbsp;486 words

 
ADDS BACKGROUND

A malaria drug widely touted as a potential cure for COVID-19 showed no benefit against the disease over standard care -- and was in fact associated with more deaths, the biggest study of its kind showed Tuesday.

The US government funded analysis of how American military veterans fared on hydroxychloroquine was posted on a medical preprint site and has not yet been peer reviewed.

The experiment had several important limitations, but adds to a growing body of doubt over the efficacy of the medicine that counts President Donald Trump and right wing news channel Fox News among its biggest backers.

Researchers looked at the medical records of 368 veterans hospitalized nationwide who either died or were discharged by April 11.

Death rates for patients on hydroxychloroquine were 28 percent, compared to 22 percent when it was taken with the anti-biotic azithromycin -- a combination favored by French scientist Didier Raoult, whose study on the subject in March triggered a surge of global interest in the drug.

The death rate for those receiving only standard care was 11 percent.

Hydroxychloroquine, with or without azithromycin, was more likely to be prescribed to patients with more severe illness, but the authors found that increased mortality persisted even after they statistically adjusted for higher rates of use.

Other drawbacks include the fact that the study did not assign people randomly to groups, because it was a retrospective analysis meaning it looked back on what had already happened.

In addition, the results are hard to generalize because the population was highly specific: most of the patients were male, with a median age over 65, and black, a group that is disproportionately affected by underlying illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

There was no added risk of being on ventilator among the hydroxychloroquine only group, leading the authors to suggest that increased mortality among this group might be attributable to side-effects outside the respiratory system.

Previous research has found that the medicine is risky for patients with certain heart rhythm issues and can cause blackouts, seizures or at times cardiac arrest in this group.

Hydroxychloroquine and a related compound chloroquine have been used for decades to treat malaria, as well as the autoimmune disorders lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

They have received significant attention during the novel coronavirus pandemic and have been shown in lab settings to block the virus from entering cells and prevent it replicating -- but in the pharmaceutical world, "in vitro" promise often fails to translate into "in vivo" success.

The true answer can only be determined through very large, randomized clinical trials that assign patients to receive either the drug under investigation or a placebo.

Several of these are underway, including notably in the United States, Europe, Canada and the&nbsp;United Kingdom.

A malaria drug widely touted as a potential cure for COVID-19 showed no benefit against the disease over standard care -- and was in fact associated with more deaths, the biggest study of its kind showed Tuesday.

A malaria drug widely touted as a potential cure for COVID-19 showed no benefit against the disease over standard care -- and was in fact associated with more deaths, the biggest study of its kind showed Tuesday. The US government funded analysis of how American military veterans fared on hydroxychloroquine was posted on a medical preprint site and has not yet been peer reviewed. Also read: COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems The experiment had several important limitations, but adds to a growing body of doubt over the efficacy of the medicine that counts President Donald Trump and right wing news channel Fox News among its biggest backers. Researchers looked at the medical records of 368 veterans hospitalized nationwide who either died or were discharged by April 11. Death rates for patients on hydroxychloroquine were 28 percent, compared to 22 percent when it was taken with the anti-biotic azithromycin -- a combination favored by French scientist Didier Raoult, whose study on the subject in March triggered a surge of global interest in the drug. Also read: US bought over 29 million hydroxychloroquine doses from India: Trump The death rate for those receiving only standard care was 11 percent. Hydroxychloroquine, with or without azithromycin, was more likely to be prescribed to patients with more severe illness, but the authors found that increased mortality persisted even after they statistically adjusted for higher rates of use. Other drawbacks include the fact that the study did not assign people randomly to groups, because it was a retrospective analysis meaning it looked back on what had already happened. In addition, the results are hard to generalize because the population was highly specific: most of the patients were male, with a median age over 65, and black, a group that is disproportionately affected by underlying illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. There was no added risk of being on ventilator among the hydroxychloroquine only group, leading the authors to suggest that increased mortality among this group might be attributable to side-effects outside the respiratory system. Previous research has found that the medicine is risky for patients with certain heart rhythm issues and can cause blackouts, seizures or at times cardiac arrest in this group. Hydroxychloroquine and a related compound chloroquine have been used for decades to treat Washington, United States | AFP | Tuesday 4/22/2020 - 03:54 UTC+5 | 486 words ADDS BACKGROUND A malaria drug widely touted as a potential cure for COVID-19 showed no benefit against the disease over standard care -- and was in fact associated with more deaths, the biggest study of its kind showed Tuesday. The US government funded analysis of how American military veterans fared on hydroxychloroquine was posted on a medical preprint site and has not yet been peer reviewed. The experiment had several important limitations, but adds to a growing body of doubt over the efficacy of the medicine that counts President Donald Trump and right wing news channel Fox News among its biggest backers. Researchers looked at the medical records of 368 veterans hospitalized nationwide who either died or were discharged by April 11. Death rates for patients on hydroxychloroquine were 28 percent, compared to 22 percent when it was taken with the anti-biotic azithromycin -- a combination favored by French scientist Didier Raoult, whose study on the subject in March triggered a surge of global interest in the drug. The death rate for those receiving only standard care was 11 percent. Hydroxychloroquine, with or without azithromycin, was more likely to be prescribed to patients with more severe illness, but the authors found that increased mortality persisted even after they statistically adjusted for higher rates of use. Other drawbacks include the fact that the study did not assign people randomly to groups, because it was a retrospective analysis meaning it looked back on what had already happened. In addition, the results are hard to generalize because the population was highly specific: most of the patients were male, with a median age over 65, and black, a group that is disproportionately affected by underlying illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. There was no added risk of being on ventilator among the hydroxychloroquine only group, leading the authors to suggest that increased mortality among this group might be attributable to side-effects outside the respiratory system. Previous research has found that the medicine is risky for patients with certain heart rhythm issues and can cause blackouts, seizures or at times cardiac arrest in this group. Hydroxychloroquine and a related compound chloroquine have been used for decades to treat malaria, as well as the autoimmune disorders lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. They have received significant attention during the novel coronavirus pandemic and have been shown in lab settings to block the virus from entering cells and prevent it replicating -- but in the pharmaceutical world, "in vitro" promise often fails to translate into "in vivo" success. The true answer can only be determined through very large, randomized clinical trials that assign patients to receive either the drug under investigation or a placebo. Several of these are underway, including notably in the United States, Europe, Canada and the United Kingdom.

No benefit, higher death rate for malaria drug in coronavirus study

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires &nbsp;S. Koventhan said, "India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations". He also talked about how the mission has tied up with locals Indian restaurants to provide food for stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Brazil cooperating to fight the COVID-19 crisis?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: India believes ‘global pandemic requires a global response’. India is committed to contributing to humanity’s fight against this pandemic.

India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations and also extended assistance to other countries by providing essential medical equipment and medicines based on their requests.&nbsp;

Brazil is an important strategic partner of India. With regard to Brazil, on April 4, 2020, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with President Bolsonaro, President of Brazil.&nbsp;

The two leaders discussed the global situation in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi assured all possible support to the Brazilian President in this difficult hour.&nbsp;

They agreed that their officials would remain in regular touch with respect to the COVID-19 situation and its emerging challenges. President Bolsonaro in his address to the nation on April 8 2020 had thanked PM Modi the people of India for the timely help for the export of hydroxychloroquine.

PM Modi also reciprocated his thanks. In the words of the prime minister of India conveyed in one of his tweets, "our partnership with Brazil is stronger than ever in the challenging times."

WION: India sending HCQ to Brazil, how has been the reaction and how did it go about?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: At the request of the President of Brazil, consignment (530 kg of hydroxychloroquine) for Brazil was put on priority and was cleared as soon as possible. This is a testimony of the importance that both countries attach to their bilateral relationship. This goodwill gesture was well received in Brazil. India has also offered 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Brazil on a commercial basis.

WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Brazil in taking care of Indian citizens, many Indian nationals are saying they are in deep trouble...&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: To help Indian nationals in Brazil, we had set up two 24x7 Helplinenos +55(61) 981391127 &amp; + 55(11) 994518224. A situation room has been established in Brasilia (email covidsitbrasilia@gmail.com). All the queries received on emails and phone calls are being promptly responded to. We also keep our social media pages updated with&nbsp;all relevant advisories on travel and visa.

Officials from the Consulate-General of India in Sao Paulo &amp; Honorary Consulate in Rio are also part of our response teams.

Through Oyo Rooms, hotel accommodation at discounted rates were facilitated for Indian nationals. We have tied up with Indian restaurants in cities of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia for providing meals at a discounted rate for Indian nationals, who are stranded in these cities.&nbsp;

We are currently working on extending such measures to other cities also. We are also doing a weekly Video conferencing with prominent members of Indian community in Brazil to get their perceptive on handling this situation. In the embassy here, we have adopted the approach of "social distancing and digital proximity".&nbsp;

We have implemented work from home for more than half of our embassy personnel. We also organize online Yoga classes mainly to de-stress our body and mind during this time of crisis. This is well received in Brazil.

WION: Have we shared any Indian model of containment with Brazil?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: Under the Indian technical and economic cooperation program (ITEC) of the ministry of external affairs, government of India, e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects are proposed to be organized.

These e-ITEC webinars for training on basic COVID-19 management are 45 minutes to one&nbsp;hour interactive sessions and will cover various aspects including – Understanding COVID-19, infection prevention measures, diagnosis, and clinical management of COVID-19 patients &amp; contacts, field surveillance and public health measures and other emerging issues.&nbsp;

Brazil being an ITEC partner country of India, we have extended an invitation to Brazil to participate in this program.

WION: How are the Indian diplomat faring? it hasn't been easy for diplomats too.

S. Koventhan: This is a difficult situation for the whole of humanity. In Brazil, we are taking necessary precautionary measures for the embassy personnel and their families.&nbsp;

We strictly follow measures like social distancing, usage of masks and hand sanitizers etc.

As diplomats, it is important that we keep our physical, mental and emotional well-being high during this time of crisis. We are fully committed towards discharging our duties and responsibilities, in the best possible manner to help our fellow citizens, who are stranded in Brazil because of COVID-19.

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires S.

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires S. Koventhan said, "India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations". He also talked about how the mission has tied up with locals Indian restaurants to provide food for stranded Indian nationals. WION: How are India and Brazil cooperating to fight the COVID-19 crisis? S. Koventhan: India believes ‘global pandemic requires a global response’. India is committed to contributing to humanity’s fight against this pandemic. India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations and also extended assistance to other countries by providing essential medical equipment and medicines based on their requests. Brazil is an important strategic partner of India. With regard to Brazil, on April 4, 2020, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with President Bolsonaro, President of Brazil. The two leaders discussed the global situation in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi assured all possible support to the Brazilian President in this difficult hour. They agreed that their officials would remain in regular touch with respect to the COVID-19 situation and its emerging challenges. President Bolsonaro in his address to the nation on April 8 2020 had thanked PM Modi the people of India for the timely help for the export of hydroxychloroquine. PM Modi also reciprocated his thanks. In the words of the prime minister of India conveyed in one of his tweets, "our partnership with Brazil is stronger than ever in the challenging times." WION: India sending HCQ to Brazil, how has been the reaction and how did it go about? S. Koventhan: At the request of the President of Brazil, consignment (530 kg of hydroxychloroquine) for Brazil was put on priority and was cleared as soon as possible. This is a testimony of the importance that both countries attach to their bilateral relationship. This goodwill gesture was well received in Brazil. India has also offered 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Brazil on a commercial basis. WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Brazil in taking care of Indian citizens, many Indian nationals are saying they are in deep trouble... S. Koventhan: To help Indian nationals in Brazil, we had set up two 24x7 Helplinenos +55(61) 981391127 & + 55(11) 994518224. A situation room has been established in Brasilia (email covidsitbrasilia@gmail.com). All the queries received on emails and phone calls are being promptly responded to. We also keep our social media pages updated with all relevant advisories on travel and visa. Officials from the Consulate-General of India in Sao Paulo & Honorary Consulate in Rio are also part of our response teams. Through Oyo Rooms, hotel accommodation at discounted rates were facilitated for Indian nationals. We have tied up with Indian restaurants in cities of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia for providing meals at a discounted rate for Indian nationals, who are stranded in these cities. We are currently working on extending such measures to other cities also. We are also doing a weekly Video conferencing with prominent members of Indian community in Brazil to get their perceptive on handling this situation. In the embassy here, we have adopted the approach of "social distancing and digital proximity". We have implemented work from home for more than half of our embassy personnel. We also organize online Yoga classes mainly to de-stress our body and mind during this time of crisis. This is well received in Brazil. WION: Have we shared any Indian model of containment with Brazil? S. Koventhan: Under the Indian technical and economic cooperation program (ITEC) of the ministry of external affairs, government of India, e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects are proposed to be organized. These e-ITEC webinars for training on basic COVID-19 management are 45 minutes to one hour interactive sessions and will cover various aspects including – Understanding COVID-19, infection prevention measures, diagnosis, and clinical management of COVID-19 patients & contacts, field surveillance and public health measures and other emerging issues. Brazil being an ITEC partner country of India, we have extended an invitation to Brazil to participate in this program. WION: How are the Indian diplomat faring? it hasn't been easy for diplomats too. S. Koventhan: This is a difficult situation for the whole of humanity. In Brazil, we are taking necessary precautionary measures for the embassy personnel and their families. We strictly follow measures like social distancing, usage of masks and hand sanitizers etc. As diplomats, it is important that we keep our physical, mental and emotional well-being high during this time of crisis. We are fully committed towards discharging our duties and responsibilities, in the best possible manner to help our fellow citizens, who are stranded in Brazil because of COVID-19.

530 kg HCQ consignment cleared for Brazil, says India's top diplomat in Brazil

While scientists&nbsp;are continuing to study chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as&nbsp;potential cure the coronavirus pandemic,&nbsp;concerns are being&nbsp;raised&nbsp;about the efficacy and safety of the drugs.

In&nbsp;a preliminary study in Brazil it has been&nbsp;discovered that&nbsp;a high dose of chloroquine diphosophate is&nbsp;associated with a severe type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-approves-debt-relief-for-25-poor-countries-to-help-them-address-coronavirus-pandemic-292341">IMF approves debt relief for 25 poor countries to help fight Covid-19</a>

The study was shut down after it was unable to treat patients infected with the novel virus.

Hospitals in Sweden have also received guidance directing clinicians not to use chloroquine to treat Covid-19 patients outside of clinical trials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-is-10-times-deadlier-than-swine-flu-who-292313" hreflang="en">Coronavirus is 10 times deadlier than swine flu: WHO</a>

The guidance states that "considering the very low evidence of any significant effect on Covid-19 and since serious side effects can't be ruled out, the use of chloroquine outside of clinical trials is not recommended."

Magnus Gisslén, professor and senior doctor at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden along with his&nbsp;team&nbsp;have seen "a serious effect on the heart" linked to using the medication, he said.

He added that patients with lower kidney function also had a difficult time taking the drug.

Last week, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society&nbsp;issued guidance&nbsp;about critical cardiovascular considerations for the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat the novel coronavirus, saying doctors must consider "potential serious implications for people with existing cardiovascular disease."

World Health Organization officials on Monday said they "eagerly await" the outcomes of studies evaluating the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as possible Covid-19 treatment options, especially as the drugs already are being used "off label" to treat some patients in certain countries.

While scientists are continuing to study chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential cure the coronavirus pandemic, concerns are being raised about the efficacy and safety of the drugs.

While scientists are continuing to study chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential cure the coronavirus pandemic, concerns are being raised about the efficacy and safety of the drugs. In a preliminary study in Brazil it has been discovered that a high dose of chloroquine diphosophate is associated with a severe type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Also read: IMF approves debt relief for 25 poor countries to help fight Covid-19 The study was shut down after it was unable to treat patients infected with the novel virus. Hospitals in Sweden have also received guidance directing clinicians not to use chloroquine to treat Covid-19 patients outside of clinical trials. Also read: Coronavirus is 10 times deadlier than swine flu: WHO The guidance states that "considering the very low evidence of any significant effect on Covid-19 and since serious side effects can't be ruled out, the use of chloroquine outside of clinical trials is not recommended." Magnus Gisslén, professor and senior doctor at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden along with his team have seen "a serious effect on the heart" linked to using the medication, he said. He added that patients with lower kidney function also had a difficult time taking the drug. Last week, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society issued guidance about critical cardiovascular considerations for the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat the novel coronavirus, saying doctors must consider "potential serious implications for people with existing cardiovascular disease." World Health Organization officials on Monday said they "eagerly await" the outcomes of studies evaluating the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as possible Covid-19 treatment options, especially as the drugs already are being used "off label" to treat some patients in certain countries.

COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems

India has cleared the first list of 13 countries who will get hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with neighbourhood getting priority. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-community-transmission-of-coronavirus-in-the-country-yet-india-health-ministry-291803">Also Read:&nbsp;No community transmission of coronavirus in the country yet, says health ministry</a>

Overall India will be giving hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 25 countries. India has given approval for export of 14 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine.

The 13 countries which India will be giving HCQ, termed as game-changer drug by India are - US, two from Europe - Spain and Germany, two from South America - Dominican Republic and Brazil, one from West Asia, Bahrain and five from the neighbourhood - Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Bangladesh

Speaking at the daily press briefing of the Indian government, Dammu Ravi, MEA's nodal person for COVID-19 said, "HCQ is in high demand globally. Lot of request for HCQ already there, several countries have made the request, taking in the view domestic requirements, domestic stock availability.. the decision was taken by a group of the minister to release surplus medicine for export purposes. The first list of countries have been approved and products have started to leave, working on second list and then the third list."

India is providing humanitarian aid like Pharma (HCQ &amp; paracetamol) to SAARC &amp; Indian Ocean countries like Mauritius &amp; SeychellesIn.

Additionally, India is also providing humanitarian aid to countries in Africa and Latin America. Outside these regions, New Delhi is currently processing requests for medicines (HCQ/Paracetamol) from countries based on availability and would be supplying them on a commercial basis.

Asked about the criteria India is following for countries, Dammu Revi said, "Request for countries existed for HCQ, we analysed the request. Sometimes demand can be very high, we need to rationalise. This drug is under high demand and all countries impacted by COVID-19 are asking for it. So it was discussed internally and in consultation with pharma dept, health and various others in the empowered committee."

"It is first come, first basis, but the neighbourhood is very important, countries very vulnerable. So we went through the process of making the assessment, who would need first..it is an ongoing process. Doing it in a balanced and rationalizing demand of various countries," Revi added.

While HCQ remains on the banned list of export products, India is giving the drug only on licence both for export and aid. India needs one crore HCQ tablets, and currently has 3.28 crore tablets and 1-2 crore tablets can be produced. Indian authorities have allowed the use of HCQ for frontline workers only and under the prescription of a medical physician.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi has been personally approached by world leaders for HCQ. On Friday PM Modi spoke to Japan PM Abe and Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli. Three world leaders, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair M. Bolsonaro and Israeli's PM Benjamin Netanyahu have personally thanked Indian PM and people of India on twitter.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India has cleared the first list of 13 countries who will get hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with neighbourhood getting priority. Also Read: No community transmission of coronavirus in the country yet, says health ministry Overall India will be giving hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 25 countries.

India has cleared the first list of 13 countries who will get hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with neighbourhood getting priority. Also Read: No community transmission of coronavirus in the country yet, says health ministry Overall India will be giving hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 25 countries. India has given approval for export of 14 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine. The 13 countries which India will be giving HCQ, termed as game-changer drug by India are - US, two from Europe - Spain and Germany, two from South America - Dominican Republic and Brazil, one from West Asia, Bahrain and five from the neighbourhood - Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Bangladesh Speaking at the daily press briefing of the Indian government, Dammu Ravi, MEA's nodal person for COVID-19 said, "HCQ is in high demand globally. Lot of request for HCQ already there, several countries have made the request, taking in the view domestic requirements, domestic stock availability.. the decision was taken by a group of the minister to release surplus medicine for export purposes. The first list of countries have been approved and products have started to leave, working on second list and then the third list." India is providing humanitarian aid like Pharma (HCQ & paracetamol) to SAARC & Indian Ocean countries like Mauritius & SeychellesIn. Additionally, India is also providing humanitarian aid to countries in Africa and Latin America. Outside these regions, New Delhi is currently processing requests for medicines (HCQ/Paracetamol) from countries based on availability and would be supplying them on a commercial basis. Asked about the criteria India is following for countries, Dammu Revi said, "Request for countries existed for HCQ, we analysed the request. Sometimes demand can be very high, we need to rationalise. This drug is under high demand and all countries impacted by COVID-19 are asking for it. So it was discussed internally and in consultation with pharma dept, health and various others in the empowered committee." "It is first come, first basis, but the neighbourhood is very important, countries very vulnerable. So we went through the process of making the assessment, who would need first..it is an ongoing process. Doing it in a balanced and rationalizing demand of various countries," Revi added. While HCQ remains on the banned list of export products, India is giving the drug only on licence both for export and aid. India needs one crore HCQ tablets, and currently has 3.28 crore tablets and 1-2 crore tablets can be produced. Indian authorities have allowed the use of HCQ for frontline workers only and under the prescription of a medical physician. Indian PM Modi has been personally approached by world leaders for HCQ. On Friday PM Modi spoke to Japan PM Abe and Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli. Three world leaders, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair M. Bolsonaro and Israeli's PM Benjamin Netanyahu have personally thanked Indian PM and people of India on twitter.

COVID-19: India clears first list of 13 countries for HCQ as neigbhourhood get priority

The Malaysian government has requested hydroxychloroquine from India to deal with COVID even as New Delhi gets the request from 30 countries for the drug. Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ is being called as a game-changer drug in the fight against COVID.

India has got a request for HCQ from US, Brazil, Gulf, Europe and now from South East Asia. Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ is banned from being exported but India will give licensed quantities. Earlier in the week, the ministry of external affairs said the neighbourhood will be India's priority in giving licenced Hydroxychloroquine and then to countries "badly" impacted by it. As far as the order which are is already given by countries--like the US, the "export commitments" can be allowed.

India plans to get some medical equipment from Malaysia, among other countries. New Delhi will get 2 lac personal protection equipment PPE kits (which includes N95 masks) from a company from Malaysia's neighbour Singapore from 11th April. India had placed an order of 80 lakh PPE to the Singapore company.

Indian mission&nbsp;helps stranded Indians in Malaysia&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India has got over a thousand Indians nationals back from home and the Indian mission in Kuala Lumpur is in touch with Indians still stranded in Malaysia. The Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar had met the Indian tourist stranded in the South East Asian country.113 Indias stranded in transit in Malaysia due to travel restrictions were sent back last month to India.

The mission has arranged accommodation, food and medicines for Indians with assistance from local partners and requested its nationals to respect the movement restrictions announced by the Malaysian Govt.

India Malaysia ties which had suffered a set back during the tenure of Former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad, which had raked up Kashmir and India's Citizenship Amendment Law many times drawing the wrath of New Delhi.&nbsp;

Things look optimistic under the new Malaysian leadership of Muhyiddin Yassin. Last month, the new Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had met the Indian envoy and in a tweet said, "Malaysia and India’s relationship must be nurtured and consolidated to ensure we explore a new chapter together, looking forward to stronger ties for our mutual benefit."

The Malaysian government has requested hydroxychloroquine from India to deal with COVID even as New Delhi gets the request from 30 countries for the drug. Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ is being called as a game-changer drug in the fight against COVID.

The Malaysian government has requested hydroxychloroquine from India to deal with COVID even as New Delhi gets the request from 30 countries for the drug. Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ is being called as a game-changer drug in the fight against COVID. India has got a request for HCQ from US, Brazil, Gulf, Europe and now from South East Asia. Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ is banned from being exported but India will give licensed quantities. Earlier in the week, the ministry of external affairs said the neighbourhood will be India's priority in giving licenced Hydroxychloroquine and then to countries "badly" impacted by it. As far as the order which are is already given by countries--like the US, the "export commitments" can be allowed. India plans to get some medical equipment from Malaysia, among other countries. New Delhi will get 2 lac personal protection equipment PPE kits (which includes N95 masks) from a company from Malaysia's neighbour Singapore from 11th April. India had placed an order of 80 lakh PPE to the Singapore company. Indian mission helps stranded Indians in Malaysia Meanwhile, India has got over a thousand Indians nationals back from home and the Indian mission in Kuala Lumpur is in touch with Indians still stranded in Malaysia. The Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar had met the Indian tourist stranded in the South East Asian country.113 Indias stranded in transit in Malaysia due to travel restrictions were sent back last month to India. The mission has arranged accommodation, food and medicines for Indians with assistance from local partners and requested its nationals to respect the movement restrictions announced by the Malaysian Govt. India Malaysia ties which had suffered a set back during the tenure of Former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad, which had raked up Kashmir and India's Citizenship Amendment Law many times drawing the wrath of New Delhi. Things look optimistic under the new Malaysian leadership of Muhyiddin Yassin. Last month, the new Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had met the Indian envoy and in a tweet said, "Malaysia and India’s relationship must be nurtured and consolidated to ensure we explore a new chapter together, looking forward to stronger ties for our mutual benefit."

Malaysia requests hydroxychloroquine from India

A sizeable chunk of the 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine bought by the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic is from India, President Donald Trump has said as he acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "great" when he sought his help to allow the sale of the anti-malaria drug to treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients in America.

Trump and Prime Minister Modi spoke over the phone last week. During the call, Trump requested Modi to lift the hold on the American order of hydroxychloroquine, of which India is the major producer.

Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19 and it is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York.

Anticipating that it will work, given initial positive results, Trump has bought more than 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine for the potential treatment of COVID-19 patients.

"I bought millions of doses (of hydroxychloroquine). More than 29 million. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi, a lot of it (hydroxychloroquine) comes out of India. I asked him if he would release it? He was Great. He was really good," Trump told Sean Hannity of the Fox News on Monday night.

"You know they put a stop because they wanted it for India,"&nbsp;Trump said responding to a question on the usage of hydroxychloroquine.

India on Tuesday allowed the export of hydroxychloroquine to the US, which has emerged as the global hotspot of COVID-19.

By Tuesday night, nearly four lakh Americans tested positive for the novel coronavirus and the fatalities was more than 12,850. During the interview, Trump described hydroxychloroquine as a powerful malaria drug. The drug is being tested on hundreds of coronavirus patients in New York.

"But there are a lot of good things coming from that,"&nbsp;Trump said.

"Lot of people are looking at it and saying, you know I don't hear bad stories, I hear good stories. And I don't hear anything where it is causing death,"&nbsp;said the US President.

Hydroxychloroquine, an old and inexpensive drug used to treat malaria, is seen as a viable therapeutic solution by President Trump to coronavirus.

Last week Trump said he has sought help from Prime Minister 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.

India has received similar requests from several other countries including its immediate neighbours Sri Lanka and Nepal. India has said that it is reviewing its export ban order.

Notably, India's decision to ban the exports of hydroxychloroquine is driven by its desire to take stock of the domestic requirements and ensure that the country has enough of the drug.

"I would be surprised if he would, you know, because India does very well with the United States," Trump told reporters during a press briefing at the White House on Monday.

Trump and Modi enjoy a personal friendship as reflected in the president joining the prime minister at the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston last September.

This February, Trump made a rare India-specific solo trip to Ahmedabad and New Delhi.

India on Monday agreed to lift the ban on export of hydroxychloroquine to the US. Three Gujarat-based companies would export these tablets to the US, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Tuesday.

India manufactures 70 per cent of the world's supply of hydroxychloroquine, according to Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) secretary-general Sudarshan Jain.

The country has a production capacity of 40 tonnes of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) every month, implying 20 crore tablets of 200 mg each. And since the drug is also used to auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, manufacturers have good production capacities that can also be ramped up.&nbsp;

A sizeable chunk of the 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine bought by the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic is from India, President Donald Trump has said as he acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "great" when he sought his help to allow the sale of the anti-malaria drug to treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients in America.

A sizeable chunk of the 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine bought by the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic is from India, President Donald Trump has said as he acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "great" when he sought his help to allow the sale of the anti-malaria drug to treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients in America. Trump and Prime Minister Modi spoke over the phone last week. During the call, Trump requested Modi to lift the hold on the American order of hydroxychloroquine, of which India is the major producer. Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19 and it is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York. Anticipating that it will work, given initial positive results, Trump has bought more than 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine for the potential treatment of COVID-19 patients. "I bought millions of doses (of hydroxychloroquine). More than 29 million. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi, a lot of it (hydroxychloroquine) comes out of India. I asked him if he would release it? He was Great. He was really good," Trump told Sean Hannity of the Fox News on Monday night. "You know they put a stop because they wanted it for India," Trump said responding to a question on the usage of hydroxychloroquine. India on Tuesday allowed the export of hydroxychloroquine to the US, which has emerged as the global hotspot of COVID-19. By Tuesday night, nearly four lakh Americans tested positive for the novel coronavirus and the fatalities was more than 12,850. During the interview, Trump described hydroxychloroquine as a powerful malaria drug. The drug is being tested on hundreds of coronavirus patients in New York. "But there are a lot of good things coming from that," Trump said. "Lot of people are looking at it and saying, you know I don't hear bad stories, I hear good stories. And I don't hear anything where it is causing death," said the US President. Hydroxychloroquine, an old and inexpensive drug used to treat malaria, is seen as a viable therapeutic solution by President Trump to coronavirus. Last week Trump said he has sought help from Prime Minister 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. India has received similar requests from several other countries including its immediate neighbours Sri Lanka and Nepal. India has said that it is reviewing its export ban order. Notably, India's decision to ban the exports of hydroxychloroquine is driven by its desire to take stock of the domestic requirements and ensure that the country has enough of the drug. "I would be surprised if he would, you know, because India does very well with the United States," Trump told reporters during a press briefing at the White House on Monday. Trump and Modi enjoy a personal friendship as reflected in the president joining the prime minister at the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston last September. This February, Trump made a rare India-specific solo trip to Ahmedabad and New Delhi. India on Monday agreed to lift the ban on export of hydroxychloroquine to the US. Three Gujarat-based companies would export these tablets to the US, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Tuesday. India manufactures 70 per cent of the world's supply of hydroxychloroquine, according to Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) secretary-general Sudarshan Jain. The country has a production capacity of 40 tonnes of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) every month, implying 20 crore tablets of 200 mg each. And since the drug is also used to auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, manufacturers have good production capacities that can also be ramped up.

US bought over 29 million hydroxychloroquine doses from India: Trump

India has now partially lifted the ban on the export of two key drugs, hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol. India's export of drugs will be allowed depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements and existing orders.

Coronavirus Pandemic: India partially lifts ban on hydroxychloroquine

Even as India is getting global requests for Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), called as a gamechanger drug to deal with COVID, New Delhi has made it clear that its focus first will be for the countries in the neighbourhood and then countries "badly affected".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiims-says-doctors-paramedics-nurses-treating-covid-19-patients-will-be-given-hydroxychloroquine-tablets-291176">Also Read: AIIMS says doctors, paramedics will be given hydroxychloroquine tablets&nbsp;</a>

"In view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic" India will give licenced to paracetamol and HCQ in "appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities," said the ministry of external affairs in a statement.&nbsp;

The statement said, India "will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic."

Without mentioning US, the statement said India's current stock position on HCQ "could allow" India companies to meet "the export commitments that they had contracted."

US President Donald Trump had said that Washington had ordered HCQ from India and this mater was raised by President Trump during his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend.

Highlighting its global approach of cooperation in the COVID pandemic, MEA said, "India has always maintained that the international community must display strong solidarity and cooperation. This approach also guided our evacuation of nationals of other countries."

India had evacuated more 48 nationals of 10 countries from Wuhan, once the epicentre of COVID crisis and Japan. These included a number of citizens from South Asia - 23 Bangladeshi, 9 Maldivians, 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali.&nbsp;

Thirty countries from Latin America to Europe to Gulf have approached India for HCQ, many of them personally calling Indian PM Modi. &nbsp;

Acting Assistant Secretary Alice Wells, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the State Department earlier today said, "India is obviously one of the world’s leaders in the supply of generic drugs. &nbsp;It represents a significant portion of the precursor pharmaceuticals that supply the US market."

Brazilain President Jair M. Bolsonaro also tweeted about it and said he has raised the matter with PM Modi.

Even as India is getting global requests for Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), called as a gamechanger drug to deal with COVID, New Delhi has made it clear that its focus first will be for the countries in the neighbourhood and then countries "badly affected".

Even as India is getting global requests for Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), called as a gamechanger drug to deal with COVID, New Delhi has made it clear that its focus first will be for the countries in the neighbourhood and then countries "badly affected". Also Read: AIIMS says doctors, paramedics will be given hydroxychloroquine tablets "In view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic" India will give licenced to paracetamol and HCQ in "appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities," said the ministry of external affairs in a statement. The statement said, India "will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic." Without mentioning US, the statement said India's current stock position on HCQ "could allow" India companies to meet "the export commitments that they had contracted." US President Donald Trump had said that Washington had ordered HCQ from India and this mater was raised by President Trump during his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend. Highlighting its global approach of cooperation in the COVID pandemic, MEA said, "India has always maintained that the international community must display strong solidarity and cooperation. This approach also guided our evacuation of nationals of other countries." India had evacuated more 48 nationals of 10 countries from Wuhan, once the epicentre of COVID crisis and Japan. These included a number of citizens from South Asia - 23 Bangladeshi, 9 Maldivians, 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali. Thirty countries from Latin America to Europe to Gulf have approached India for HCQ, many of them personally calling Indian PM Modi. Acting Assistant Secretary Alice Wells, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the State Department earlier today said, "India is obviously one of the world’s leaders in the supply of generic drugs. It represents a significant portion of the precursor pharmaceuticals that supply the US market." Brazilain President Jair M. Bolsonaro also tweeted about it and said he has raised the matter with PM Modi.

Neighbourhood first: India's policy on Hydroxychloroquine as Trump demands drug for US

US President Donald Trump has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. &nbsp;The two leaders spoke on the telephone to assess the situation with respect to the coronavirus pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
The US President Donald Trump said that the Indian administration led by Prime Minister Modi was giving serious consideration to export hydroxy-chloroquine to the US.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-trump-agree-to-deploy-full-strength-of-india-us-partnership-to-fight-covid-19-290605">Modi, Trump agree to deploy full strength of India-US partnership to fight COVID-19</a>

Until now, India which manufactures a massive amount of hydroxychloroquine, has put a hold on the export of this drug and its formulations. 
&nbsp; 
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug which is being used to treat patients suffering from COVID-19.

Also read: PM Modi's call to switch off lights on Sunday creates panic

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The Trump administration has asked for large quantities of this drug, as the combination of it with some anti-viral drugs helped treat close to 1,500 COVID-19 patients in New York.

Trump also went on to say that he would not shy away from taking the tablet himself.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep condolences to people who had lost members of their family to the deadly coronavirus and wished early recovery for those who were still suffering from the disease. 
&nbsp; 
PM Modi also stressed the special relationship between the US and India and reiterated the country's solidarity with the US in fighting this pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
The two leaders exchanged ideas on how to combat the global health crisis and examined methods adopted in each of their countries to effectively reduce the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also had a separate telephonic conversation with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to deliberate upon the impact of the novel coronavirus on our lives. 
&nbsp; 
As of now, the lethal coronavirus which reached almost all countries has infected more than one million has killed over 64,000 people worldwide.

US President Donald Trump has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

US President Donald Trump has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. The two leaders spoke on the telephone to assess the situation with respect to the coronavirus pandemic. The US President Donald Trump said that the Indian administration led by Prime Minister Modi was giving serious consideration to export hydroxy-chloroquine to the US. Also read: Modi, Trump agree to deploy full strength of India-US partnership to fight COVID-19 Until now, India which manufactures a massive amount of hydroxychloroquine, has put a hold on the export of this drug and its formulations. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug which is being used to treat patients suffering from COVID-19. Also read: PM Modi's call to switch off lights on Sunday creates panic × The Trump administration has asked for large quantities of this drug, as the combination of it with some anti-viral drugs helped treat close to 1,500 COVID-19 patients in New York. Trump also went on to say that he would not shy away from taking the tablet himself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep condolences to people who had lost members of their family to the deadly coronavirus and wished early recovery for those who were still suffering from the disease. PM Modi also stressed the special relationship between the US and India and reiterated the country's solidarity with the US in fighting this pandemic. The two leaders exchanged ideas on how to combat the global health crisis and examined methods adopted in each of their countries to effectively reduce the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also had a separate telephonic conversation with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to deliberate upon the impact of the novel coronavirus on our lives. As of now, the lethal coronavirus which reached almost all countries has infected more than one million has killed over 64,000 people worldwide.

Coronavirus: Trump requests PM Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets

The US President Donald Trump requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply Hydroxychloroquine tablets to the United States, so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

US seeks India's help amid coronavirus outbreak

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request.

Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19.

US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it."

On Saturday, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition on export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".

In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under 3 exceptions which have been deleted in the new order.

US President Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis, though it is not backed completely by the medical community.&nbsp;

India has allowed hydroxychloroquine for medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered. US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it." On Saturday, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition on export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception". In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under 3 exceptions which have been deleted in the new order. US President Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis, though it is not backed completely by the medical community. India has allowed hydroxychloroquine for medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

India is looking into US request for hydroxychloroquine

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places which shows India's importance in the global pharma sector.&nbsp;

The government officials said while New Delhi is looking into the requests but will review domestic requirements first. Domestically India has allowed the use of hydroxychloroquine by medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

Indian PM Modi has spoken to 15 world leaders since the outbreak which includes German German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. One of the main aims of the conversation is to chalk out a global strategy to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken twice in the last few weeks. Readout from the Indian government on April 3rd talks said, "The leaders explored possible collaboration between India and Israel in fighting the pandemic, including by improving availability of pharmaceutical supplies"

India has confirmed that it has received American request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he has requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it."

The Indian read out of PM Modi-US president talks said both leaders "agreed to deploy the full strength of the India – US partnership to resolutely and effectively combat COVID-19" and exchanged notes on the "respective steps taken in each country for mitigating the health and economic impacts of the pandemic."

Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis calling it "game-changer", though it is not back completely by the medical community.&nbsp;

In an order issued on April 4th, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".

In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under three exceptions which have been deleted in the new order. 
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India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him. From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places which shows India's importance in the global pharma sector. The government officials said while New Delhi is looking into the requests but will review domestic requirements first. Domestically India has allowed the use of hydroxychloroquine by medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients. Indian PM Modi has spoken to 15 world leaders since the outbreak which includes German German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. One of the main aims of the conversation is to chalk out a global strategy to deal with the crisis. PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken twice in the last few weeks. Readout from the Indian government on April 3rd talks said, "The leaders explored possible collaboration between India and Israel in fighting the pandemic, including by improving availability of pharmaceutical supplies" India has confirmed that it has received American request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he has requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered. US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it." The Indian read out of PM Modi-US president talks said both leaders "agreed to deploy the full strength of the India – US partnership to resolutely and effectively combat COVID-19" and exchanged notes on the "respective steps taken in each country for mitigating the health and economic impacts of the pandemic." Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis calling it "game-changer", though it is not back completely by the medical community. In an order issued on April 4th, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception". In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under three exceptions which have been deleted in the new order.

WION Exclusive: India gets request from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine

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