Sahpra says it hasn't approved Ivermectin to treat Covid-19
Health products regulators haven't approved Ivermectin for treatment in Covid-19 patients in the country.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) says media reports saying it's greenlighted the drug aren't true.
It stands by its decision that there isn't enough evidence to promote the drug as a remedy for coronavirus.
But it says its programme of controlled compassionate use of the medication remains in place.
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CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela says they have registered a topical cream to treat moderate to severe inflammatory lesions. Soolantra is formulated from Ivermectin.
"The cream is not for the treatment or prevention of Covid-19. It also means that now that the active being Ivermectin has been registered, this product can only be compounded for a specific patient where there is a specific prescription."
CEO of Transformative Health Justice, Shabnam Mohamed says she disagrees with Sahpra's approach.
"Whether its via section 21 or whether its via saying you need to go to your doctor before you can access life-saving healthcare, it does not provide a solution for the poor - 50% of our people at least are unemployed.
"How are they going to afford going to a doctor? How are they going to afford a section 21 application."
