Coronavirus: Health ministry restricts sale, distribution of hydroxychloroquine

Union health ministry has restricted sale and distribution of 'hydroxychloroquine' stating it as an essential drug to meet requirements of any emergency arising due to COVID-19 pandemic. order issued on Thursday said that in public interest, it was necessary and expedient to regulate and restrict sale and distribution of drug and preparation based reon for preventing misuse.

" Central government is satisfied that drug 'hydroxychloroquine' is essential to meet requirements of emergency arising due to pandemic COVID-19 and in public interest, it is necessary and expedient to regulate and restrict sale and distribution of drug and preparation based reon for preventing ir misuse," it said.

"w, refore, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 26B of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 1940), Central Government hereby directs that sale by retail of any preparation containing drug hydroxychloroquine shall be in accordance with conditions for sale of drugs specified in Schedule H1 to Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945," it stated.

This order shall come into force on date of its publication in official gazette. ICMR has recommended use of hydroxychloroquine  as a preventive medication for healthcare workers involved in care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and also asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases. treatment protocol recommended by ICMR has been approved by Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) for restricted use in emergency situations.