KUALA LUMPUR: A detailed explanation must be given as to why the government decided to procure the antiviral medicine Molnupiravir for Covid-19 treatment, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       "What advantage does Molnupiravir have compared to other long-established medicine that has been reported to be effective in other countries?," asked the Umno president on Facebook on Friday (Oct 8) night.

       On Thursday (Oct 7), Malaysia signed an agreement with Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) to procure antiviral medicine Molnupiravir for Covid-19 treatment.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government signed a letter of undertaking on Oct 7 to procure 150,000 courses of Molnupiravir to treat Covid-19 patients.

       Khairy said research conducted by Merck Sharp & Dohme found that Molnupiravir is able to reduce 50% of hospital admissions and is also effective towards more infectious variants of Covid-19 including Gamma, Delta and Mu.

       The minister however stressed that Molnupiravir does not prevent infection and is only beneficial for people who have been infected by Covid-19.

       Ahmad Zahid said a full justification must be given to convince the rakyat why the government chose Molnupiravir.

       "For example, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society reportedly said in July that Baricitinib is effective in curbing pneumonia in Category 1 and 2 of Covid-19 patients and was widely used in other countries.

       "Baricitinib, together with Remdesivir were said to have shown proven effectiveness in treating Covid-19 patients based on international research.

       "There is a need for clarification about the matter in order to convince the people about the government's decision to use Molnupiravir," said Ahmad Zahid.