Team Herald
PANJIM: The Opposition Congress alleged that the BJP government is making “Business from sickness” and using Goa as “Testing laboratory” and Goans as “Guinea Pigs” to make fortunes in COVID-19 pandemic.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) General Secretary Amarnath Panjikar pointed out that last year the government distributed some tablets in the entire State, claiming that consumption of those tablets will give complete immunity from COVID. The devastation caused by the Coronavrius second wave now has proved that the propaganda of BJP was a public relations exercise to promote “Jumlas” and make money.
This time Health Minister Vishwajit Rane came out with a new “Jumla” of prophylaxis treatment and had made a statement five days back that Ivermectin tablets will be made available in all health centres for those above 18 years as preventive treatment for COVID. Incidentally, on the same day World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a statement clearly stating that the tablets can be taken only on clinical trials, stated Panjikar.
Today, Prof Dr Faheem Younus, who is chief of Infectious Disease at University of Maryland has termed the act of the Health Minister as “Intellectual Error”.
This “error” of the corrupt Health Minister will turn into a “horror” in Goa, he said.
Panjikar said that the people of Goa want to know who recommended the use of Ivermectin 12 mg tablets to the Health Minister as prophylaxis treatment to Goans? Was approval obtained from Prime Minister’s Office, Union Health Ministry? Is the treatment approved by World Health Organisation (WHO)? Has Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) given its clearance? Whether any tender was floated to procure these tablets? How many bids received? Chief Minister Pramod Sawant must clarify immediately, demanded Panjikar.
Congress Party always believes in scientific solutions to any issue. There has to be strong scientific backing for any treatment, Panjikar said adding, “We will wait for one more day and if the government fails to respond, the Congress Party will appeal to Goans not to take the tablets which may harm their health.”
The GPCC General Secretary appealed to Goans not to fall prey for the announcements of the Health Minister and BJP functionaries and demanded that the government’s place in public domain, the scientific evidence and approvals from authorised institutions for any COVID treatment. Only then Goans should come forward and take it, he said.
