The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that there is still no evidence that the anti-parasitic drug, ivermectin, can treat COVID-19.
In a virtual forum on Friday (Sep. 17), DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that the available evidence from studies or randomized control trials showed that the drug has not been proven to ““significantly reduce mortality nor to improve other clinical outcomes.”
“Right now, the medical consensus is that there is no evidence to support the use of ivermectin in treating COVID-19,” she said.
Moreover, the department clarified that it does not oppose the research on the investigational drugs, however, it was reminded to put in mind the health of the public.
“While the DOH is not against the use of investigational drugs, we emphasize that in using products under investigation, the safety of every Filipino should take utmost precedence.”
The British Ivermectin Recommendation Development (BIRD) in the Philippines initially recommended the use of ivermectin on COVID-19 patients.
PTV News, PNA/NGS-rir
