Published 22:37 IST, June 3rd 2020
WHO Executive Group allows resuming solidarity trial on HCQ, a week after pausing it
In a major decision, World Health Organisation (WHO)'s Executive Group, on Wednesday has allowed resuming all solidarity trials, including on Hydroxychloroquine
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In a major decision, World Health Organisation (WHO)'s Executive Group, on Wednesday has allowed resuming all solidarity trials, including one on Hydroxychloroquine, anunced WHO director Dr.Tedros. He added that based on available mortality data, members of committee recommended that re are reasons to modify trial protocol. So far, more than 3500 patients have been recruited in 35 countries for solidarity trial.
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WHO resumes HCQ trials
WHO pauses HCQ trial
On May 25, same group had decided to temporarily pause Hydroxychlorine (HCQ) trial while data collected so far is reviewed. 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.
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ICMR disagrees with WHO on HCQ
In response to move, India's apex science body - Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) wrote to WHO expressing ir disagreement over suspension of anti-malarial drug. ICMR stated that primary point of ir difference in opinion with WHO was dos standards between Indian and international trials which bodies said would explain efficacy issues of HCQ in treating COVID-19 patients. 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, but t for treating COVID-19.
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Dr. Harsh Vardhan takes charge as WHO Executive Board chairman
This development comes days after 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. same board met on Saturday and has decided to pause trial as data gets reviewed by Safety Monitoring Board and w has allowed resuming trials.
22:37 IST, June 3rd 2020