@MoHFW_INDIA @mybmc @CMOMaharashtra @AUThackeray 1/ Early eveidence indicates some in vitro efficacy of chloroquine against SARS-CoV2. A lot more data is required before recommending this medication to patients.
2/ India (and Maharashtra) has an excellent program for malaria: NVBDCP. They are well versed with chloroquine; it’s dosing, administration, side effects.
3/ Chloroquine can have side effects but we are familiar with these toxicities and usually they are not severe over short term use.
4/ Chloroquine prophylaxis is used against malaria. Spike in malaria during monsoon and post monsoon period will further stress healthcare apparatus. If studies prove chloroquine has efficacy against COVID-19, it could have dual bebefit of reducing malaria and treating COVID-19.
5/ Can @MoHFW_INDIA consider a plan to rapidly produce and dispense large quantities of chloroquine if studies show benefit against COVID-19? Will also reduce malaria to an extent. Plan should not be activated without evidence. Is this a feasible option if studies show benefit?
6/ NVBDCP is one of the best in the world, arguably India’s greatest public health asset. Could prove to be crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consider accelerating trials of chloroquine for Indian COVID-19 patients.
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