Hydroxychloroquine becomes a Schedule H1 drug as hoarding leads to shortage.
On Thursday night the Ministry of Health through a special amendment has categorised hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) drug as a schedule H1 drug- which means it cannot be sold over the counter. The move comes as reports emerged of hoarding and shortage of this drug due to the national lockdown, this drug is prescribed as a chronic therapy for patients suffering from Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, an auto immune disease. However the hoarding and shortage took place after the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended the drug for front line workers and high risk people who were in contact with the Covid-19 patient. Reports have emerged that after this notice several common people were rushing to chemist shops to self medicate. The Central Government is satisfied that the drug ‘Hydroxychloroquine’ is essential to meet the requirements of emergency arising due to pandemic COVID-19 and in the public interest, it is necessary and expedient to regulate and restrict the sale and...