The government of India had placed restrictions on the export of almost 12 essential drugs due to the lock down of the Hubei district of China. Hubei, China had been the supplier of the raw materials or active pharmaceutical ingredient that was required for the formulation of drugs. Hubei was the epicentre for the outbreak of Coronavirus. The committee consisted of 8 members who were constituted by the government. This committee had suggested imposing restrictions on 12 drugs.
These drugs included antibiotics such as, chloramphenicol, neomycin, metronidazole, azythromycin, clindamycin, vitamin B1, B2 and B6. This list included hormones such as progesterone which was used during pregnancy and menstruation related problems. This step was taken in order o make sure that there is enough availability of drugs in India.
This panel had also suggested that the Centre ask its states to call forth a special Essential Commodities Act which restricts anyone who has artificial preservation. The also said that they would take strict actions against anyone who was found hoarding drugs. An official who was a part of the expert committee said that there were enough raw materials for the coming 2 months. Hubei and Shandong provide with almost 20-25% of the raw materials , therefore if the lock down continued for 15 days more , the effects would be escalating.
India has been known to import around 80-85% of API’s from China. Some major pharmaceutical companies such as Lupin, Sun Pharma and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories manufacture API’s locally for some of the medicines.
