Hydroxychloroquine production raised to 30 cr tablets in India, 16 cr released in market: Govt

India has increased production of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to 30 crore tablets from 12.23 crore tablets, the government said on May 01. Chairman of Empowered Group-3, PD Vaghela said, “Production of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has increased to 30 crore tablets from 12.23 crore tablets. A total of 16 crore HCQ tablets released into the market.” Even as the drug’s efficacy is not yet clinically proven, HCQ - an anti-malarial drug is said to be effective in treatment for COVID-19 patients. India has imported HCQ to United States of America and other nations. Centre has created 11 Empowered Group in the view of COVID-19 pandemic. Empowered Group-3 has responsibility to ensure availability of essential medical supplies.