Limited evidence of efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine in treating covid-19 cases: Lav Agarwal

Putting all speculations to rest, Lav Agarwal, an official from the health ministry, reiterated that there is limited evidence of the efficacy of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine in treating Covid-19 cases.

Answering a question on its limited availability for the public and prescription, he said, due to its limited evidence it is allowed as prophylaxis under strict technical guidance.

We have allowed the use of Hydroxychloroquine for healthcare workers dealing with COVID19 patients or high risk contacts of the patients though there is limited evidence of its efficacy. There is not sufficient evidence to use it at community level, added Agarwal


The Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had prohibited the export of the drug on March 25. But it left the option of export open to fulfil “export obligation” and on “humanitarian grounds”. After the blanket ban on its exports, there are reports that the government is still considering about the possible relaxation of export norms.