WHO Executive Group pauses solitary trial on HCQ to review data as ICMR expands its usage

In a major decision, World Health Organisation (WHO)'s Executive Group, on Monday, has decided to temporarily pause Hydroxychlorine (HCQ) trial while data collected so far is reviewed, anunced WHO chief Dr. Tedros in a press briefing. He added that Executive Group's solidarity trial comprising of 10 countries will adequately evaluate potential benefits and harms from this drug. Clarifying that or arms of trial were continuing, he added that drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, were generally safe for treating patients of autoimmune diseases or malaria.

ICMR issues revised advisory on use of hydroxychloroquine

WHO pauses HCQ trial

Centre explains reason for change in COVID-19 discharge policy, ICMR reviews HCQ use

ICMR revises HCQ us

Meanwhile, ICMR recommended use of hydroxychloroquine as a preventive medication for asymptomatic healthcare workers working in n-COVID-19 hospitals, frontline staff on surveillance duty in containment zones, and paramilitary/police personnel involved in coronavirus infection-related activities. It is also recommended for all asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in containment and treatment of COVID-19 and household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases. ICMR is currently still studying efficacy of drug and has t recommended it for treating COVID-19 patients.

India has only 0.1 million COVID cases in population of 1.3 billion people: Harsh Vardhan

Dr. Harsh Vardhan takes charge as WHO Executive Board chairman

Earlier on Friday, India's Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan took over as WHO Executive Board Chairman at 147th session of WHO Executive Board, held virtually. India was among 10 nations that were elected by 73rd World Health Assembly to Executive Board of WHO for a period of three years. or new members include Botswana, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Oman, Republic of Korea, Russia, and United Kingdom.

One of primary functions of Board is to implement decisions and policies of WHA and facilitate its work. chairman of board is selected on a rotational basis for one year among regional groups, whereas WHA is decision making body of WHO. same board met on Saturday and has decided to pause trial as data gets reviewed by Safety Monitoring Board.

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