India Lifts Ban of Hydroxychloroquine Exports

The Indian government said Tuesday that it will lift its newly imposed export restriction on the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, a potential COVID-19 treatment.

President Trump urged India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend to ease export regulations for the drug. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it will now allow distribution of hydroxychloroquine for countries that have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

Physicians are now allowed to prescribe the drug to COVID-19 patients under an emergency use authorization from the FDA, but at least 20 states have imposed restrictions and there are serious concerns about possible adverse reactions.