KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 – Results from the clinical trials being carried out in Malaysian hospitals on the use of Ivermectin for treating Covid-19 patients will be known this September, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
Todate, a total of 200 pesakit Covid-19 patients are participating in the trials involving 18 government hospitals, he said when wrapping up his speech at the Dewan Rakyat today.
The trials, known as Ivermectin Treatment Efficacy on COVID-19 High Risk Patient, are being carried out in several government hospitals, he said.
Based on initial plans, a total of 500 high risk Covid-19 patients and also those with lighter symptoms were aimed for the trials but as of this point, only 200 patients have joined the trials, he said when explaining the government’s approach to Ivermectin, which enjoys a high reputation for successful treatment of early Covid-19 cases in some countries including India, while another faction of medical experts remain unsure of its efficacy.
At the Dewan Rakyat today, several opposition members called on the government to push for the use of Ivermectin, saying that it may help bring down Covid-19 cases in the country.
Dr Adham said any decision on the use of the Ivermectin will be made only upon getting the results from the randomised control trial in September.
Earlier in tabling the ministry’s report on actions taken towards containing the Covid-19 pandemic, he gave details of the various measures taken to handle the rising number of cases including increasing the number of ICU beds, the expansion of hospitals as well as testing and vaccination centres and also the deployment of personnel and additional facilities in hospitals.
He also answered various questions raised following his presentation. The issue of contract doctors who took to a peaceful demonstration were also raised with many MPs expressing their sympathy for the plight of the doctors who are seeking permanent positions with the government.
They sought for the right treatment of the frontliners, pointing out their sacrifices and services especially in the ongoing pandemic. Dr Adham gave assurance that no action will be taken against the doctors who participated in the strike.