Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI:Defending its decision to provide Ivermectin medicine to all those above 18 years as part of prophylaxis treatment against COVID-19, the Goa Government has informed the High Court 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 reply 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 sais that the requirement of oxygen for Goa is about 55 metric tons
Further, the Union Government in its affidavit submited 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.
