Senator Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go said President Duterte has instructed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to thoroughly assess and validate claims of various COVID-19 medications applying for permits, particularly on the use of Ivermectin for humans.
“May mga suggestion, may mga gamot na nadiskubre at pinaparating niya agad sa FDA para pag-aralan…Sabi nga ni Pangulong Duterte, kung makakatulong naman ay welcome ito para sa kanya (There are suggestions on some discovered medicines and he immediately forwarded it to FDA for studies…President Duterte has said that if these can help, it is okay with him)," he said in a recent interview.
"Siguraduhin muna natin na safe ito dahil buhay ng bawat Pilipino ang nakataya (We have to ensure first that this is safe because it is the lives of the Filipinos are at stake),” he explained.
There are claims from some legislators that Ivermectin can help treat and prevent COVID-19 infection although the FDA, as well as the World Health Organization, have said that the anti-parasitic drug is not recommended for human intake yet as its efficacy as a COVID-19 medication has yet to be proven.
At present, Ivermectin is registered as animal drug and only as a topical medication for external parasites and skin conditions of humans.
“Pinagsabihan si FDA Director General Eric Domingo na pag-aralan at siguraduhing safe at pwedeng gamitin ng tao. So antayin na lang natin. Parati naman namin pina-follow up si Domingo at mayroon nang mga nag-aapply (President Duterte has instructed FDA Director General Eric Domingo to study and ensure that the Ivermectin is safe for humans. So we will wait. We have always reminded Domingo about it),” Go said.
Go, chairman of the Senate health and demography committee, clarified that he is not advocating for the use of Ivermectin or any specific drug to treat COVID-19, but is simply urging the government to have an open dialogue with proponents and facilitate a thorough scientific study of these proposals.
He maintained that the use of such drugs should be in accordance with existing laws and regulations to ensure their safety and efficacy. He emphasized that these rules and regulations were in place to protect the welfare of the public.
He called on the public to be cautious on the use of any drug or medical treatment, saying they must undergo the necessary scientific and regulatory procedures in order to be deemed safe and effective.
Go also urged proponents of Ivermectin and other drugs to follow the prescribed process of the government in approving and regulating such medicines before it could be prescribed to patients.
Meanwhile, he called for greater cooperation and constructive exchange of ideas among government officials, medical experts and health advocates to strengthen efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.
He reiterated that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) should continue to pursue a whole-of-nation approach in coming up with science-based recommendations.
“To our officials, let us be more open to suggestions from various stakeholders. We cannot overcome this alone. Kaya nga bayanihan ang sinisigaw natin simula pa lang (This is why we have been calling for a concerted effort from the beginning),” Go appealed.