Radiant Group Provides 2 Lakh Pieces of Hydroxychloroquine to Govt

Among the drugs used in treatment of the global epidemic COVID-19 disease, caused by the novel Coronavirus, a malaria drug named Hydroxychloroquine is playing an efficient role. Local drug company Radiant Pharmaceuticals is providing the drug to the government free of cost.

The drug giant handed over 2,01,600 pieces of hydroxychloroquine tablets to the Health Ministry through the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) on Wednesday.

Managing Director of Radiant Pharmaceuticals  Mashrur Ahmed handed over the drugs to the Director-General of DGDA, Major General Mahbubur Rahman at the DGDA office in the capital. Deputy General Manager of the company's marketing Department Ashraful Alam along with senior officials from both of the organizations was present at the ceremony.

Ashraful Alam said, "The situation is challenging for everyone. The government alone can not fight against this threat. We  hope that our little contribution will help in the fight against this crisis moment."

Radiant has been taking various initiatives to prevent the beginning of the transmission of COVID-19 disease in the country. These initiatives include the distribution of six thousand Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 5,000 advanced masks and 20,000 hand sanitizers among doctors, physicians, and health workers nationwide.

The whole world is struggling to fight the disease. So far, the virus has spread to more than 200 countries and regions.

Experts across the globe are still trying to develop a specific vaccine or antidote to cure or prevent the virus. However, a few drugs were found useful in treating COVID-19, medical scientists said. One of them is hydroxychloroquine. Favipiravir, a drug discovered in 2014 to prevent the Ebola virus is also being helpful in treating COVID-19 patients.

As a result, the domestic company has started producing hydroxychloroquine. Besides the supply to the government, the drug will be released to the market after getting approval. The company also stated that it will start producing Favipiravir from next month.