The distribution of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin is in violation with the country's Food and Drug Administration law, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday, April 7.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated that ivermectin is not registered for human use in the country.
(PCOO / FILE PHOTO)
“The most important law that is being violated for this supposed dispensing of ivermectin is the RA (Republic Act) 9711 ito yung FDA act of 2009. Specific to that law, sinasabi mismo na yung mga hindi rehistradong gamot, hindi natin pwedeng ipagamit sa ating mga kababayan (This is the FDA act of 2009. Specific to that law, it stated there that we cannot allow unregistered drugs to be used by our citizens),” said Vergeire in a press briefing.
“We would just like to advise the public na katulad ng lagi naman sinasabi kapag hindi reshitardo ang gamot na ite-take nyo (as we always say, if the drug you will take is unregistered)--the government cannot assure that this can be safe for you and it is going to really protect you from that specific disease,” said Vergeire.
When asked if lawmakers who are advocating the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients will also be held liable, Vergeire said that the law is “self-explanatory.”
“Well nakalagay doon sa batas natin sa (It is stated in ) RA 9711 manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, promotion or advertising or sponsorship of health protocols without proper authorization of FDA is prohibited. I think that is self explanatory,” said Vergeire.
The Health official said that only medical professionals are allowed to dispense any type of drugs.
“Yung mga pagdi-dispense natin ng gamot ay dapat mga doktor at healthcare professionals ang gumagawa, hindi pwedeng ordinaryong tao ang nagdi-dispense ng mga gamot na ito (Dispensing of medicines are only being done by doctors and healthcare professionals, it is not possible for ordinary people to dispense these medicines),” said Vergeire.
Last Monday, Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor announced that he would distribute ivermectin in Quezon City for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.