A PAN Party Legislator Says The Ivermectin Is Suitable For Deworming Medicine, But Wrong If It Is Claimed To Be A COVID-19 Drug

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Intan Fauzi also highlighted the discussion of Ivermectin as a drug or therapy for COVID-19 patients. According to her, the use of Ivermectin which is an anthelmintic is not new.

"Ivermectin is also used in several countries, but it's actually a deworming medicine", said Intan Fauzi, Tuesday, June 29.

The legislator for the West Java VI constituency said that basically, Ivermectin is only alternative medicine that can be used because it is affordable to the public. "But it cannot be claimed as a cure for COVID-19", said Intan.

However, said Intan, specifically in Indonesia, all medicines may be circulated and used for treatment. With conditions, must obtain a recommendation from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

"And as long as there is circulation in Indonesia, the drug must pass the circulation test from the BPOM, the authority is there", said the PAN Party politician.

Previously, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) allowed clinical trials of Ivermectin for COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. Previously, many countries had tested Ivermectin and used it to treat COVID-19 patients, such as the Czech Republic to Peru.

According to the Head of BPOM Penny K Lukito, Ivermectin has also been used in India. India is taking Ivermectin while facing a COVID-19 'tsunami' case.

"From India, as well as the Indian state during those periods of very high intensity. They used Ivermectin until it subsided, they started to stop using Ivermectin", explained Penny in a BPOM press conference, Monday, June 28.