Recent studies from AIIMS Bhubaneswar have explored the effectiveness of the drug Ivermectin as a prophylaxis to prevent coronavirus disease. This has once again suggested the discussion on the need for Telangana to present a detailed guideline on drug use along with the clinical protocols to avoid COVID-19 infection in Healthcare Workers (HCW).

The studies on the drug Ivermectin have shown effectiveness, while ICMR in the past has not given any definitive go-ahead for the same. Healthcare workers had communicated that the government should set up expert committees and introduce studies to revise the guidelines.

Dr Mahesh Kumar, Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association said that relating to this specific drug Ivermectin, states like UP have already issued guidelines for its usage among HCWs in their State. Telangana should also make an effort to prescribe it.

According to the study from AIIMS, two doses of Ivermectin were given 72 hours apart and was associated with a 73 percent reduction in COVID-19 infection in the next month. At present, the Telangana government is prescribing HCQ drug as prophylaxis, as per the ICMR’s recommendations. But the World Health Organisation has specified that it has no significant effect to prevent COVID-19. Few healthcare workers are taking the drug themselves as prophylaxis and it is easily available and with less side effects.

Source: The New Indian Express