The deadly coronavirus has infected 28 people in India which includes 16 Italian tourists. After the outbreak in India, the country has reduced the export of certain medicines. India which is one of the world's biggest supplier of medicines has restricted a total of 26 elements and the medicines which is made from those elements.
Paracetamol one of the world's most used pain killers is one of the restricted medicines for export. China also has shut down major drug manufacturers and has stopped exporting major medicines.
Shaun Rein, an analyst from Market Research Group has said that if India and China get hit then globally there could be a shortage. Drugs that are not produced in China get their elements from China only and also the Indian drug manufacturers rely on China for their active ingredients. If both the countries restrict their exports then the Corona affected countries are likely to suffer.
Antibiotics like tinidazole and erythromycin, the hormone progesterone and Vitamin B12 are some of the medicines which are included in the restricted export list. About 10% of Indian pharmaceutical exports have been limited.
About 30% of medicinal ingredients from India were exported to the US in the year 2018 according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The pharmaceutical companies of Western countries are closely observing the supply chains of medicines.