New Delhi: The National Task Force COVID-19 constituted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday recommended the use of hydroxy-chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 for high-risk cases amid increasing cases of coronavirus outbreak in India which has claimed 7 lives and 415 confirmed cases till today.

The ICMR National Task Force said only high risk cases can be placed under chemoprophylaxis with hydroxy-chloroquine:

The Asymptomatic Health care workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19)

Asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases.

"Hydroxychloroquine is recommended only for a healthcare worker who is treating a #COVID patient. Secondly, it's recommended only for persons staying and caring for a household positive patient. They can take that only for prophylaxis, only for prevention," said ICMR Director-General Balram Bhargava.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has also approved the protocol recommended by the ICMR National Task Force for restricted use in emergency situation.

The National Task Force COVID19 constituted by ICMR recommends the use of hydroxy-chloroquine for prophylaxis of COVID19 for high-risk cases pic.twitter.com/mhxI55VDc5 — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2020

The task force also warned the health workers that placing them under chemoprophylaxis should not instill a sense of false security in them and asked the health-workers to follow all prescribed public health measures such as frequent washing of hands, respiratory etiquettes, keeping a safe distance of minimum 1 metre and use of personal protective equipments.

Bhargava also said the process of Covid-19 test kit manufacturing fast-tracked at ICMR-NIV Pune and two manufacturers are already approved. The ICMR director said he would like to clarify that FDA/CE approval isn't mandatory. ICMR-NIV approved tests which will be done there on fast-track basis will also be acceptable for COVID-19 testing, ANI reported.

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