Medicines Exported To 150 Countries, Vaccines To 75; How India Helped The World During COVID-19

India is often referred to as the pharmacy of the world, thanks to the generic drug manufacturing in the country, that is exported to around the world.

During the initial days of the COVID-19 outbreak, when Hydroxychloroquine was dubbed as the magical remedy against the virus, the world quite literally queued to buy it from India.

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India is estimated to produce 70% of the world¡¯s hydroxychloroquine, with Ipca Labs and Zydus Cadila the two largest producers of the drug in the country. Ipca Labs accounts for more than 80% of India¡¯s hydroxychloroquine supply.

After the initial ban on its export, India allowed Hydroxychloroquine mad in the country to be dispatched across the world.

Even when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines, a large portion of the vaccines that will be administered around the world will be made in India.

Reuters

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that India was not dependent on anybody during the pandemic period, rather it extended support to the world in the battle against the virus.

He claimed that PM Modi has supported the supply of medicines to over 150 countries besides the COVID-19 vaccine supply to over 75 nations from India.

AP

As far as COVID-19 vaccines are concerned, it is estimated that India could become the world¡¯s second-largest maker, after the US.

This includes both domestically developed ones and the likes of Serm Institute of India which is manufacturing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine currently and will soon start producing the one developed by Novavax.

On Friday, under the Quad initiative, it was agreed that India will also manufacture the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in the country.