1: Introduction to Hydroxychloroquine and its Historical Use

- Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial and antirheumatic drug commonly used to treat malaria.

- The drug functions by terminating organisms that cause malaria and reducing the immune system's activity, which is beneficial against rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

- Hydroxychloroquine rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when former US President Donald Trump endorsed it as a potential treatment for the virus.

2: Hydroxychloroquine in Current News

- A recent study published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy found a potential link between the use of hydroxychloroquine and an increased mortality rate of up to 11%.

- This study has sparked concern as it suggests the drug could be connected to approximately 17,000 deaths.

3: Drug Risk Evaluation and Safety Concerns

- Even though hydroxychloroquine is generally safe, the alarming results from the new study underscore the importance of reassessing its risks before prophylactically administering it to a large group of healthy individuals.

4: Impact on Current Affairs and GK Part

- This research intensifies the debate around the safe and effective use of hydroxychloroquine, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

- It emphasises the continual need for rigorous scientific testing for medication, even those that are commonly prescribed.

- It creates an urgency for policymakers and healthcare experts to reevaluate the risk vs. benefits of administering hydroxychloroquine, especially as a prophylactic drug.

- The increased scrutiny could lead to stricter regulations and guidelines surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine in treatment plans thus impacting healthcare policies.

- The issue also highlights the role and responsibility of leaders in disseminating reliable and scientifically verified information to the public, which can be a focal point in future government examinations.