SIBU: The Covid-19 antiviral pill is a potential game-changer to save lives of patients in Category Three and above, says Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
In his latest Facebook post, Dr Sim reckoned that an antiviral pill would help the state in its fight against the coronavirus.
"Potential game-changer and looking eagerly for the medical research scientific data.
“Any addition to the armory against Covid-19 to save lives, be it for Category Three or above will greatly help," he said.
Dr Sim, who is also the state disaster management committee advisor said scientists, medical experts and policy makers were well aware that there was no single one treatment for the pandemic.
"It needs a combination of vaccines, drugs (newer ones like RegenCOV, Baricitinib...), non-pharmaceutical and public health measures which include face mask, hand washing, physical distancing, social distancing, self-risk assessment and oxygen saturations," he said.
Dr Sim said the state would discuss with Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin and explore with US drug maker, Merck to assess the oral drug so as to make sure that it was safe for use by Sarawakians.
According to a report, the antiviral pill is an experimental drug for severe Covid-19 cases and cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death by about half, interim clinical trial results suggest.
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