Just like in the U.S and Europe - they have tested several combinations. The primary issue with India is that there has mainly been uncontrolled use by individuals, doctors, and hospitals across the population rather than any proper studies (at least from a preventative perspective).
The statement from ICMR that hydroxchloroquine can still be trialed as a preventative is probably due to the mass use of it across the population with no evidence in either direction if it works (or does not). Due to this the Indian government was not going to step in with any guidance (nor could they really stop it seeing the large & common availability of hydroxchloroquine).
The ICMR statement regarding using hydroxchloroquine as a cure is probably related to more controlled studies in hospital settings with obviously COVID-19 afflicted patients. Nothing from any of the studies in India appear to support any of the hydroxchloroquine therapy combinations being an effective cure - therefore the ICMR guidance to doctors is not to use it as a cure.
I see that India is already charging ahead with plasma antibody transfusions, just as the U.S is and seem to be reporting good results.
Good. I just want to see researchers leaning into solutions that don't end in "but that is 12-18 months away." The antibody transfer thing is already being done fairly close to where I am and in several other cities around the country. Just needs more recovering covid patients to get their antibodies. Fortunately/unfortunately there is not and will not be any shortage of recovering patients. If that picks up speed to the point where it diminishes interest in hydroxy then then fine. I am outcome oriented kind of guy. Lots of things catch my interest, but in the end they need to deliver.
On the other hand, as discussed, I don't approach this or any other medical condition in a binary manner where it either cures or does not cure. The word "cure" is not even part of the discussion for me. Lots of medicines in treatements only alleviate the condition 20% or so and from there the patient and doctor can choose whether they want to add it to their regimen. Does the z-pack approach "cure" covid? Most likely not. But does it help to the point where the patients fever of 103 would have been 105 and where they can get by on a respirator rather than a ventilator? We dont really know. I know that Trump is not approaching it that way, but I am not Trump.
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