By Kenneth Paciente
The Department of Health (DOH) has maintained its stand that anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin still has no scientific basis to cure COVID-19 patients.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that even though the agency welcomes any possibilities to fight COVID19, she insisted that it should be based on careful studies.
USec. Vergeire shared that they have groups that conduct “systematic analysis” on this drug and so far Ivermectin still has no “significant and positive outcome” on people who had undergone clinical trials.
“Bukas ang DOH na makipagtulungan sa mga proponents ng Ivermectin para po para maisagawan natin ‘yung proper clinical trial. Para mas magkaroon tayo ng ebidensiya kung talagang kagamit-gamit at katanggap-tanggap itong gamot na ito sa mga taong may sakit na COVID19 (DOH is willing to work with proponents of Ivermectin to conduct a proper clinical trial. This will help in coming up with evidence if the drug could be used and accepted for people who are infected with COVID 19),” USec. Vergeire clarified.
The official also pleaded with those using this drug “not to have a false sense of confidence” that they are already “protected” against COVID19.
“The evidence is not complete yet, hindi natin alam kung talagang napo-protektahan kayo o kaya ay may ibang factor kaya po kayo ay gumaling sa COVID19 (we do not know if you are really protected or if there are other factors that contributed to your recovery from COVID-19.)”
The DOH reiterated that the public should adhere to minimum health standards in order to avoid the virus.
