PUTRAJAYA: The parasitic medication Ivermectin is not being used at private hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients, says the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia.

       Its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the association has consulted most of its 152 members and none of them are using the medication.

       “Private hospitals have been treating Covid-19 patients since January using treatment protocols which are approved with evidence-based guidelines by the Health Ministry and international medical societies, and Ivermectin is not included.

       “The association assures the public that none of its members have prescribed Ivermectin to their patients for the purpose of treating Covid-19 in any category.

       “We refute some of the fake news in social media stating some private hospitals had success using this medication, which is not approved by WHO and FDA (the US Food and Drug Administration),” he said in a statement on Monday (July 26).

       Dr Kuljit said the ministry has some government hospitals conducting clinical trials on Ivermectin but no private hospital is participating.

       “Private hospitals may only use this medication after approval with guidelines from the government. However there has been no indication on this as yet,” he added.