PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has said there was no objection to the use of Ivermectin medicine for therapeutic use.
The court’s observation comes following the State government’s submission claiming that the World Health Organisation’s assessment of the drug Ivermectin and its use in COVID-19 treatment could be erroneous.
The government defended the use of the drug for prophylaxis treatment while referring to studies conducted in different countries showing positive effect vis-à-vis treatment and cure of patients.
“After deliberation (by the State Expert Committee for COVID-19 chaired by the Health Minister and comprising of expert doctors), it was recommended to use the said medicine once daily for five days to the population over 18 years of age. However, pregnant/lactating women as well as those persons with allergy and those having liver/kidney disease are advised to consult a doctor before taking the said medicine,” the reply stated.
The Court had directed the government to spell out its position on the drug and its distribution in Goa as part of prophylaxis treatment, after it was pointed out by some petitioners that the medicine is banned by WHO and other regulatory agencies.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam, representing the State, told the Court that he was also given this medicine when he was COVID-19 positive. “It seems that the petitioners just like to point out issues against the government through petitions,” he added.
To a question by the Bench, about ICMR’s recommendation on the use of Ivermectin, the AG replied in the affirmative.
In its order on Friday, the Bench of Justice S C Gupte and Justice M S Sonak said, “As far as use of Ivermectin is concerned, for prophylactic use of medicine… As for therapeutic use, there is no objection. As of now the ICMR has permitted.”
The Bench also noted that the State also indicated its preparedness with respect to the medicine and other infrastructure for treating mucormycosis as a post COVID-19 disease. The State will submit details of the medicines procured in the next hearing, which will be heard in June before the regular Bench.
During the hearing, Pangam read out the details of the supplies such as medicines and oximeters present in the Goa Medical College and Hospital while also claiming that there is no shortage of oxygen in Goa.
The Court also observed in its order that the issue of proper supply and adequate arrangement for augmentation for medicines supply as well as oxygen flow meter, oximeter and essential equipment, are available with the State government.
After the order, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane took to his Twitter handle expressing gratitude to the High Court for “accepting Govt. of Goa’s decision to use Ivermectin for treating COVID-19.”
“This is a crucial step taken by the Govt on the advice of our expert team of doctors with an aim to help us in reducing the infectivity rate & control surge of Covid-19 cases. Our team is working hard to ensure we are efficiently able to battle the pandemic,” his post read further.
