China Black Markets Indian Covid Drugs

China authorized Covid-19 antivirals, Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Azvudine, are only available in some facilities at exorbitant prices, prompting many Chinese to seek for cheaper generic medications from India.

China, known for its reputation along the Line of Actual Control, is now seeking to Indian pharmaceuticals as it suffers from a medical crisis caused by Covid-19.

Even though the Chinese government has not approved the Indian medicines, and selling them is a serious offence, locals have turned to the black market for generic coronavirus drugs. A new wave of the extraordinary pandemic epidemic has increased demand in China for limited supply of licenced antivirals.

This year, China approved two Covid-19 antivirals: Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Azvudine, an HIV medication developed by Chinese business Genuine Biotech. However, both are only available in a few hospitals. Because of their scarcity and high cost, many Chinese have turned to cheaper but illegally imported generic medications from India.

Topics such as “anti-Covid Indian generic pharmaceuticals sold at 1,000 yuan (US$144) per box” have been popular on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. People sharing thoughts and messages on how to obtain the pills.

Also Read: The Chinese Covid Riddle: A Scam or Poor Management?

Virus Knows No Borders

“Virus knows no borders,” said Dr Suneela Garg, a Lancet Commission member. We must remain vigilant. The administration has taken urgent action.

China must be transparent, careful, and focused on vaccination. In India, we have a few BF.7 cases. We must be cautious and vigilant. I’m hoping there won’t be a fourth wave.”

Across China, an insufficient supply of medicine, images of people squeezing into hospitals, and enormous line-ups outside crematoria and funeral homes were stark contrasts to the country’s report of seven deaths last week. Only deaths caused by coronavirus-induced pneumonia and respiratory failure, according to health officials, would be attributable to Covid.

Xi Jinping has stayed mute, aside from generic remarks about coordinating Covid prevention actions. He has made no direct comments about the current increase of cases.

Experts say that for the time being, both censors and propaganda authorities appear to be at a loss on what to do. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a well-planned or managed misinformation campaign.

“It’s more because the general orientation has shifted, so the propaganda must suddenly follow suit,” says Fang Kecheng, an assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong who studies Chinese propaganda.

Medicine Marketed Without License No Longer Fraudulent

In a desperate situation, Chinese residents have discovered means to circumvent censorship. Medicines marketed overseas but not approved in China are no longer considered fraudulent under Chinese drug administration regulations. Although individuals involved in their sales face severe penalties for illicit importation without a license.

“Marketing questions are coming in asking for estimates on ibuprofen and paracetamol,” said Sahil Munjal, head of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), last week. “Ibuprofen and paracetamol are currently in low supply in China due to increased demand,” he noted.
India’s foreign ministry stated that the country, which is one of the world’s largest producers of generic medicines, is willing to assist China.

“We are monitoring the Covid issue in China.” “Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, stated. “As the world’s pharmacy, we have always assisted other countries.”

According to Pharmexcil’s most recent annual report, India’s pharma exports to China accounted for only 1.4% of total exports in 2021/22. The United States continues to be India’s most important destination for pharma exports.