Doctors say SAHPRA Ivermectin programme too lengthy, causes delay
Updated | By Nushera Soodyal
A Durban doctor, who pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa to legalise Ivermectin to help COVID-19 patients says SAHPRA's controlled access programme for the drug is far too lengthy.
SAHPRA's explained that doctors will have to apply via the Section 21 online submission portal for permission to prescribe the anti-parasitic drug to a single patient.
In urgent cases, doctors may treat their patients but an application is still required.
GP Naseeba Kathrada whose letter to Ramaphosa received the support of over 500 medical professionals, says the authority hasn't taken into account the time spent fighting to save lives.
READ: COVID-19 deaths increase further while SA waits for the vaccine to land
She's described the guidelines as ridiculous, adding on some days, they're seeing over 60 COVID-positive cases a day.
"I am so disappointed. This is nothing more than a section 21 with the added admin. Now, not only do we have to fill in this eight-page document, still pay the R300 per patient that we could do last week, now we also have to send them an SMS to say that we have sent this and we have to give feedback on every time we use it."
SAHPRA greenlighted the use of Ivermectin this week - saying it will allow for controlled and compassionate access to the drug.
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