India lifts export on essential medicines & API’s
The government has lifted the ban on exports of 12 essential drugs and 12 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). However, no decision has been taken on the request for export of chloroquine, an anti malaria drug useful in the treatment of corona, to US as had been requested by President Donald Trump by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The drugs which have been banned on export include tinidazole, metronidazole, acyclovir, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, chloramphenicol. According to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Trade, on Monday, the government relaxed export restrictions on 24 pharma ingredients (APIs) and medicines, including vitamins B1 and B12. According to the notification, export restrictions on paracetamol and other medicines made of paracetamol will continue as before.
Ban was imposed due to Corona
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had imposed a ban on the export of 26 pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their compound medicines on March 3, under which the exporter has to obtain a license or permission from the DGFT for export. The export of 24 APIs and its compound medicines has become easier, with some pharma companies expressing concern about these restrictions.
The production of these drugs depended largely on raw materials coming from China. When factories in China were closed due to Corona and the active gradient i.e. raw material stopped coming, then their exports were banned so that there is no shortage of stocks in the country.
Why was the ban removed
Now it seems that the supply of raw materials from China has started, so the government has lifted the ban on their exports. They are in great demand in the countries most affected by Corona, such as Europe and America.
Trump had given PM Modi a call for the medicine, not yet decided on it
Significantly, there is a ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, an effective drug used in the treatment of malaria and also in the use of Corana, now many countries are now demanding this medicine. The Indian government is now considering exporting it to the countries that have demanded it. However, the government will consider it after evaluating its domestic needs.
US President Donald Trump spoke to PM Modi on Saturday morning. During this time, he has also requested to send hydroxychloroquine medicine for the treatment of corona virus patients growing in America.
