Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: In a major setback to the State government’s plan to use Ivermectin medicine as part of prophylaxis treatment against COVID-19, the Bombay High Court at Goa has ruled against it.
The Division Bench today directed the State that it cannot promote Ivermectin medicine for prophylaxis treatment and has allowed the petitioner to challenge if in case Government promotes the same.
During the hearing, the Court also sought to know whether the medicine will be used for Covid positive patients or just as a prophylaxis treatment.
Earlier in the day, the Advocate General Devidas Pangam brought on record the ICMR medical guidelines, adopted for COVID treatment, which speaks about use of Ivermectin medicine.
The AG also said it is endeavor of the petitioners to prove it wrong the every decision taken by state government.
” I and my family have taken this medicine and there was no side effect,” AG informed Court.
Earlier, defending its decision to provide Ivermectin medicine to all those above 18 years as part of prophylaxis treatment against COVID-19, the Government in am affidavit filed before the Court had informed that the use of the tablet
reduces mortality rate.
In response to a petition filed by South Goa Advocates Association on COVID-19 management and use of Ivermectin medicine, the the State government said that it is not advisable for all without doctor’s consultation.
The State informed the Division Bench that the medicines will be given to all the suspected and symptomatic covid cases as part of prophylaxis treatment.
The Government also maintained that there are some expert reports according to which analysis by WOrld Health Organization (WHO) on this medicine is flawed and that the mortality rate is actually much lower if the medicine is used for early treatment as well as prophylaxis.
“After deliberation by the State Expert Committee for COVID-19, it was recommended to use the 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 medicine,” the affidavit stated.
Further, the State government has denied oxygen shortage or any instances of interrupted supply of oxygen in the hospital for Covid patients.
The Government said that the requirement of oxygen for Goa is about 55 metric tons.
The Court to sought to know the Requisition State has made with central government for vaccine doses and what requisition have been made privately to the manufacturing company, HC asks detailed vaccination program.
The Government informed that State has identified frontline workers and also undertaking drive age-wise. AG said that State is making all efforts to vaccinate all, we are also helpless if people voluntarily don’t come forward.
Earlier on Thursday, the Union Government in its affidavit submitted before the Court said that As on May 26, 7.47 lakh doses have been provided to Goa of which 4.97 lakh doses have been consumed and 2.50 lakh doses are available with the State currently.
A total of 45,700 doses are likely to be available in Goa from June 1 to June 15. For June, a total of 36,580 doses are likely to be made available for direct procurement to cover the 18-44 years population of Goa, the Centre said.
Meanwhile, the State government informed that State Administration are fully prepared to tackle mucormycosis, required infrastructure is ready and medicines are procured.
