Duterte on Ivermectin use vs COVID-19: It is up to the doctors, patients
By Andreah Dianne Cartagena
PHOTO: Life site News |
Despite scarce studies on the effectiveness against COVID-19, President Rodrigo Duterte said that he would leave the Ivermectin usage to the doctors and their patients’ judgement.
In his recorded address to the nation aired September 11, the president said that he will not discourage the use of Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, and leave the decision to the patient and doctor if they believe in ‘good faith’ on its effectiveness.
“Kasi mahirap naman masisi na kung totoo talagang effective, tapos pipigilan mo,” he said.
Continuing, Duterte acknowledged that there were not enough conclusive studies that makes Ivermectin an effective treatment against COVID-19.
In April 2021, Depart of Health (DOH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasized that Ivermectin is not recommended to be used in curing the said virus.
The effectiveness of Ivermectin in treating COVID-19 will begin its clinical trials in September, headed by Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Report sources: Philippine Star, Philippine News Agency