Coronavirus causes drug shortage scare as India limits exports

There are fears of global shortages of some common drugs after India limited the export of certain medicines due to the coronavirus.

The world's biggest supplier of generic drugs has restricted exports of 26 ingredients and the medicines made from them.

The restricted drugs include Paracetamol, one of the world's most common painkillers.

It comes as many drug ingredient makers in China remain shut or cut output.

India's drug makers rely on China for almost 70% of the active ingredients in their medicines, and industry experts have warned that they are likely to face shortages if the epidemic continues.

However, the Indian government has urged calm over its announcement and said there were enough stocks to last for up to three months.