TO USE OR NOT TO USE A number of physicians swear by the effectiveness of ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug commercially available only for veterinary use, as a treatment or preventive medicine against COVID-19. But the Food and Drug Administration maintains there are procedures to be followed, including clinical trials, before the drug could be allowed for distribution. —AFP file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Amid debates on whether or not Filipinos should be allowed to take ivermectin, a Philippine ambassador said that India is willing to export the controversial drug to the Philippines, explaining that the ivermectin has been a staple in its COVID-19 treatment since last year.
“Ivermectin has been used here in India since last year. It’s part of the medical kit being given by hospitals,” said Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of India Ramon Bagatsing Jr. in an interview over ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo.
Bagatsing said ivermectin is one of the medicines several hospitals in India give to treat mild cases of COVID-19 apart from the other essential medicines like cough syrup, vitamin c, zinc, etc.
The ambassador then called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow the use of ivermectin in the country both for treatment and prophylaxis (preventive medication).
“Hindi naman pine-pwersa sa taong bayan ‘yan eh, kung gusto mo kunin mo,” he said.
(It is actually not being forced people to use it, if you want it then take it.)
“India doesn’t mind exporting it there, legal pa,” he added.
Bagatsing explained that because ivermectin is openly manufactured in the country, a single tablet costs only around P2 and 50 centavos in India.
Currently, only topical creams containing ivermectin used for treating head lice and rosacea skin ailment are commercially available in the Philippines
However, the FDA started conducting clinical trials on the said preventive drug for COVID-19 treatment on April 20.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said prescribing ivermectin without significant evidence of its efficacy against COVID-19 is “harmful” since it would give “false confidence” to the public.
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