According to the head of an Indian drug export committee on Thursday, India, one of the largest pharmaceutical producers in the world, is prepared to increase fever medication exports to China as that country struggles with an increase in COVID-19 cases.
As a result of China’s abrupt relaxation of the stringent COVID-19 regulations earlier this month, demand for fever medications and viral test kits surged on the mainland, prompting retailers to impose limits on consumer purchases and pharmaceutical companies to increase production.
Sahil Munjal, chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), was reported saying by Reuters, “Marketing queries are coming to drugmakers asking for quotes on ibuprofen and paracetamol.”
Ibuprofen and paracetamol are currently in low supply in China due to increased demand.
Chinese embassy in New Delhi has not yet commented on the matter. According to the foreign ministry of India, one of the largest producers of generic medications worldwide, the nation was prepared to assist China.
At a routine news briefing, Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, stated, “We are keeping an eye on the COVID situation in China. We have always helped other countries as the pharmacy of the world.”
According to Pharmexcil’s most recent annual report, India’s pharmaceutical exports to China made up barely 1.4% of all of its exports in 2021–2022. India’s major export market for medications is still the United States.
On concerns of a COVID-19 revival, shares of Indian pharmaceutical businesses have increased during the last few days.
