The Philippine Medical Association (PMA), an association of doctors, has warned fellow physicians about prescribing ivermectin despite its uncertain effect on COVID-19 patients.
PMA spokesperson Dr. Oscar Tinio told TeleRadyo, they agree with the statements of the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health, and World Health Organization that there is no evidence that ivermectin helps as a cure for COVID-19.
“Were cautioning our doctors. Pinagsasabihan namin na, well, kung kayo ay magpe-prescribe n’yan, you’re on your own dahil hindi ‘yan ang posisyon ng Philippine Medical Association. If anything happen to any patients, if anybody complains against you tungkol sa pagbibigay ng ivermectin, kami in PMA, in general, will not be there behind you… Ang posisyon ng PMA hindi natin siya sinusuportahan at the moment,” said Tinio.
Only five hospitals have been granted compassionate special permits by the FDA to prescribe ivermectin to COVID-19 patients.
But recently, some doctors have observed the ivermectin distribution of 2 legislators.
Doctors warned against unauthorized prescription of ivermectin
In a statement, the Philippine College of Physicians called on the FDA and DOH to take action on the distribution of ivermectin by Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and Rescue Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.
The group insists the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 should be discontinued as long as there is not enough evidence to avoid the risk of any side effects.
The DOH had earlier said it would preview the prescriptions given by doctors for ivermectin to some Quezon City residents.
For Dr. Maricar Limpin, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians, doctors, legislators, and even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should be held accountable in case people get sick because of Ivermectin especially if it is given without a proper prescription.
“Sino ang hahabulin ng tao kung magkakaroon ng problema? I think kung pumapayag ang FDA, then they should also be held accountable kasi pinayagan nila. Definitely, ‘yung dalawang congressman who are involved here kasi sila ang nag initiate together with the doctors who are there, they should be held accountable for whatever problems na maaaring mangyari because of that particular activity,” she said in interview with TeleRadyo.
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