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South Africa’s chloroquine supplies were temporarily depleted amid speculation that the drug could be used to treat the coronavirus, and additional supplies to treat lupus sufferers had to be procured from India, said the chairman of the ministerial advisory group on the Covid-19 outbreak.
Salim Abdool Karim, who heads a panel of about 45 scientists, was responding to queries from journalists.
Chloroquine has drawn controversy in recent weeks. Chloroquinine and hydroxychloroquine have been touted by US president Donald Trump in the battle against coronavirus, but critics argue its benefits have not been demonstrated.
The drug is used to treat malaria as well as autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
The European Medicines Agency on Thursday voiced concern about potential side effects, Al Jazeera reported. On Tuesday it was reported that a government scientist was removed from his post after the Trump administration ignored his warnings.
