'Gujarat companies to export hydroxychloroquine to US,' says Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani

With Coronavirus outbreak creating demand for anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said three companies from state will export it to United States. In an interview to a private rio station on Tuesday, Rupani said his government has kept aside 1 crore hydroxychloroquine tablets to deal with any eventuality.

"Gujarat is shining world over. US President Trump has been vigorously demanding that drug from India. w, when Centre has given permission for its export, Gujarat is all set to send it to United States," said Rupani.

"Three Gujarat-based companies have alrey started production of that drug to be supplied to US. To be on safer side, we have kept aside 1 crore tablet for our own use," CM said.

US President Donald Trump h, on Monday, warned India of retaliation if anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine is t supplied to his country. In response, Centre h said India will supply essential drugs to neighbouring countries and those that are bly affected by pandemic.

Hydroxychloroquine is an old and inexpensive drug used to treat malaria, export of which was banned by India last month amid views that it could be used as potential anti-viral nt to protect from infection healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients.

On speculation of lockdown getting extended, he said it was tough to say anything at this juncture, ding it was Centre that would decide on this after seeking opinion from all states.

He said re was confusion among masses on this topic, and claimed one of options being discussed by people was to lift lockdown in a phased manner so as to control rush of crowds.

He said impact of lockdown on ecomy should t be taken into consideration when people's lives are at stake.

He said a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in Gujarat was because of "mistakes" committed by Tablighi Jamaat members who h attended a garing in Delhi last month.