KUALA LUMPUR – The usage of ivermectin to treat Covid-19 patients sparked a shouting match among opposition MPs and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba in Parliament today.
Dr Adham, in his response to a question from Mohamad Sabu (Kota Raja-PH), said that the ministry has given special approval for the drug to be used off-label.
“It is being used in a clinical study to ensure the drug is safe and effective and the name of the study is ivermectin treatment efficacy in Covid-19 high-risk patients.
“It has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC) and it is now being carried out in 18 government hospitals. A total of 500 high-risk and mildly symptomatic Covid-19 patients are involved in the trial.
“As of now, about 200 patients have participated in the study and the results of the study will be out by September this year,” said the Tenggara MP.
However, his answer was met with fiery responses from Sivarasa Rasiah (Sg Buloh-PH) and Khalid Abdul Samad (Shah Alam-PH).
In the heated debate, Sivarasa and Khalid grilled Dr Adham on why the drug was not being accorded to doctors to treat Covid-19 patients to ‘stop them from dying’.
“How long are you going to wait for? Are you just going to let the patients die?
“What are the side effects? There are no side effects. This drug has been used before,” Khalid shouted.
However, Dr Adham rebuked the former federal territories minister’s remark and said that ivermectin had been used as an anti-parasitic medicine.
“Please don’t confuse the House and wait for the randomised control trial that is being carried out now.
“India and Peru have dropped the usage of ivermectin to treat Covid-19.
“Those who want to use ivermectin will need to apply to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency,” he said. – The Vibes, July 27, 2021
