What is Hydroxychloroquine??? HCQ is nothing but our local improved quinine, the very common Malarial prescription drug in India, mass-produced by BPCW (Bengal Pharmaceutical & Chemical Works Ltd., founded by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray in the year 1892), a loss-making government undertaking on the verge of collapse. The supposed wonder-drug for Covid-19 shot to fame when the US President Donald Trump dubbed it ‘the game changer.’ India previously had ordered a ban on export of the drug, as the covid-19 cases shot up in the country. Trump threatened with retaliation against India if the drug would not be shipped to America.
Whether India gave in to US pressure or stood to bargain in the process is a billion dollar question. India is the world’s 9th largest pharmaceutical exporting country. India has been a major exporter of life-saving pharma drugs to poorer SAARC countries in the neighbourhood like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan whose interests come first too. India on April 7th, partially lifted the ban on export of HCQ that has brought relief to a galaxy of nations looking to India for urgent supply.
Over 30 world nations including Middle Eastern countries and European, have requested India for HCQ for fighting the Novel Coronavirus. How to keep up the supply in critical times like these?
How much of this tweet is true is worth debating but knowing what a hard bargainer Modi is, India won’t be the sore loser.
In any case, humanitarian considerations come first. At the same time, there is also a strong case for self-interest which is entirely justifiable. The balancing act of holding stock for the 1.3 billion heads in India and still exporting the vital prescription drug world over can be nerve wracking. To be handled with tactful diplomacy. HCQ export to SAARC nations by India is by way of aid pledged by India to the neighbourhood. India pledged US$10 million to SAARC to fight the coronavirus in Indian subcontinent comprising the seven SAARC nations.
India pledges $10 million as SAARC leaders join hands to fight coronavirus
Shipment to Sri Lanka:
India sends Sri Lanka life-saving medicines, Rajapaksa thanks Modi for ‘warm gesture’
Following the footsteps of the USA, many more like the Brazil, Israel and Malaysia have requested India for supply of HCQ. Brazil belongs with India in BRICK block of nations. Brazil, while seeking life-saving HCQ from India, went to the extent of quoting from Ramayana, Hanuman, the Hindu Monkey God, who uprooted the medicinal Sanjeevani hill from the Himalaya and flew it down to Sri Lanka for curing Lakshmana, breathing fresh life onto him!
Malaysia, once a friendly nation, turned hostile after inclining to pro islamic-terrorist ideals, shielding Zakir Naik who is wanted in India and siding with Pakistan on Kashmir and other sensitive issues. Bilateral relations between India and Malaysia are at an all time low, thanks to their arrogant and dimwit (ex) PM Mahathir Mohammad. India tackled Malaysia with Palm oil diplomacy already. Now Malaysia has requested India for HCQ for fighting the coronavirus.
Israel thanked India for shipping HCQ last thursday. Until now, HCQ is viewed as the best possible cure for Covid-19.
India will supply HCQ to even Pakistan if there is a request. Five Indian Army special officers were martyred in cross-border terror attack by Pakistan in Kupwara only yesterday. Right in the times of coronavirus lockdown worldwide. There is no data on HCQ shipment to Pakistan as quoted by media sources. India exports paracetamol and HCQ to all SAARC countries including Pakistan which also imports lifesaving drugs from India. (However Pak welcome to procure adulterated HCQ and fake and contaminated corona Testing kits from their only ally China. That shall save India some valuable resources).
No need to thank India, President Trump. We are doing our duty. There is unprecedented demand for HCQ. India has to take care of our 1.3 billion as well which explains the regulation on export of HCQ. UK joined the US, Brazil and Sri Lanka thanking India for the timely export of HCQ for covid-19 cure.
HCQ still has to be administered with care as it exhibits proven side-effects. It is mostly meant for health care workers who are constantly exposed to coronavirus infection when treating the Covid-19 patients. Until vaccines may arrive, the HCQ is here to stay.
Hopefully, like Hanuman brought the Sanjeevani in Ramayana breathing fresh life into Lakshmana, India can save millions of lives around the world with the export of HCQ. Many pranaams to our Sanathana Dharma that enables us to come to the aid of world humanity faced with existential crisis like now. Take care, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji! India loves you and needs you.
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