As the number of cases for the coronavirus or COVID-19 in Maharashtra crosses the 2000-mark, the state government is likely to consider distributing hydroxychloroquine sulphate (HCQS) tablets to residents who are at high risk of contracting the deadly virus.
The HCQS is an anti-malaria drug that is in high demand. The value of this drug has increased many more folds after US President Donald Trump asked India to supply the same as it could be helpful in the fight against the COVID-19.
A state government official informed Times of India that people who are suspected to have contracted COVID-19 or are at high-risk and are placed under quarantine centres in places like Dharavi will be first to receive the anti-malaria drug as a “preventive medicine”.
Dharavi has now 47 positive COVID-19 cases and has reported five deaths due to the coronavirus. Earlier on Sunday, Dharavi reported 15 fresh cases of COVID-19. The Maharashtra government is planning to provide HCQS to the residents of the slum-dominated area.
If this happens, this will be the first time that the anti-malaria drug will be used as a preventive measure at the community level. Currently, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the drug as a preventive measure for healthcare workers only.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope confirmed this to TOI and said, “HCQS is used to treat malaria and there have been instances of it being used in the US as preventive medicine against COVID-19. We plan to use it in areas like Dharavi where the risk of infection is high.”
Tope further stated that the drug will not be given to the whole of Dharavi but people will be categorised in groups - from those in high risk, those in government quarantine to those in contact with positive COVID-19 patients.
The Maharashtra government is likely to send a formal proposal to the centre and ICMR within two days. The tablets will be distributed in quarantine centres in Dharavi once the paperwork is in place.
Coronavirus Pandemic: 15 New Cases Reported From Dharavi And 2 New From Dadar
More Than 50 Patients From KEM Hospital Forced To Live 'Under' Hindmata Flyover
Share
Tweet
