By NG Seruela
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday (April 21) directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lead operations against the illegal trading and dispensing of ivermectin.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the FDA was ordered by the President to deal with the illegal ivermectin transactions to “ensure the safety and welfare of the public and at the same time avoid any unnecessary conflicts.”
He explained that the Philippine National Police (PNP) “cannot arbitrarily determine on their own” the drugs that should be on the market, saying “all operations to apprehend or seize goods must be done in coordination with the FDA.”
Roque emphasized that only the sale or trade of repacked animal-grade ivermectin that is being sold as human-grade, as well as those determined unsafe for humans, is being halted.
“We advise the public to seek the advice of medical practitioners before taking medicines and/or supplements,” he said.
Roque also said that the Chief Executive is “closely monitoring” the developments of ivermectin clinical trials worldwide. “He has even directed the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) to give him weekly updates on ivermectin studies and FDA-related clearances.”
Meanwhile, President Duterte also ordered a Philippine clinical trial of ivermectin, which is touted by some as a treatment or preventative for Covid-19. The drug is available commercially as a treatment for animals.
READ MORE: http://152.42.253.13/philippines-to-conduct-own-ivermectin-trial/
