'We are using retroviral drugs on a few coronavirus patients,' says Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, on Tuesday, addressed upper house of Parliament about steps taken by Centre to contain coronavirus spread. Union Health Minister stated that y are using retroviral drugs for treating a few patients.

"Scientists at ICMR are in touch with everything happening on this front all over world. As far as retroviral drugs are concerned, we are using m on some patients. We have got approvals after scientific satisfaction," he said.

"We have heard about some research being done on Chloroquine in United States right w. Approvals are given after detailed scientific scrutiny, t by Ministry but by scientists working at ICMR. We are trying best to deliver best possible treatment to patients," Union Minister added.

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Coronavirus in India

According to latest figures available on Tuesday,  total number of positive cases of Coronavirus in India has soared up to 137 as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Three deaths have been reported in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and West Delhi respectively. India has suspended all visas, barring for a few categories such as diplomatic and employment apart from keeping in abeyance visa-free travel facility to OCI cardholders till April 15.

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Moreover, Centre has “strongly advised” Indians to avoid all n-essential travel abroad. government is also monitoring all suspected cases and has issued preventive advisories. 

Taking into consideration rising number of Coronavirus cases, Central Government on March 14 decided to treat deadly virus as a "tified disaster." government has also decided to go into a partial lockdown as it ordered shut down of all educational institutions, places of social garings like swimming pools, spas, gyms, museums, and cultural centers.

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