Many medical experts are now in the midst of dialogue is order to shed light on the animal drug Ivermectin’s efficacy and safety in treating COVID-19, Senator Bong Go had said yesterday.
Senator Go, who chairs the Senate committee on health, had called many experts from Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Health (DOH). The purpose of these meetings is to thoroughly explore and study the efficacy of Ivermectin in fighting the lethal virus.
“Many are saying that this medicine can help fight COVID-19. Let’s leave it to the experts and doctors to study this well. They’re the ones who can say if this is really safe and effective,” Go said in Filipino as he talks to the experts in the said meeting.
“I hope we keep an open mind on these suggestions from the private sector and health advocates. The fight against COVID-19 is not just the fight of the government, but it is the fight of the entire nation, the whole world. Let’s listen to those who want to help,” Sen. Go had added.
He emphasized that he is not advocating the usage of Ivermectin or any specific drug, but it is simply urging the aforementioned government agencies to conduct a thorough scientific study and research on the potentiality of Ivermectin in curing COVID-19.
The senator highlighted that the government must be proactive and hands-on on the said matter so that the private sectors would not have wait long for a decision. Also, this will shed some light on this concern so that the public can be warned about the possible danger of using this antiparasitic drug that is normally used on animals.
“But if there’s a possibility that this can help, let’s not deprive our countrymen the benefit from the studies on this medicine,” he also said while emphasizing that international consultations should also be made.
Sen. Go, however, urged the proponents of Ivermectin and other drugs to abide by the process of the government in approving and regulating such medicines before endorsing them to the public and prescribing it to patients.
