COVID-19: Ministry Of Health Shortlists Three Nigerian Drugs For Investigation

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, on Wednesday, stated that the Ministry of Health has shortlisted three Nigerian drugs for further investigations as a potential cure for Coronavirus.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, revealed this while speaking at the PTF press conference in Abuja.

The ministry of Health during the briefing had warned that Nigeria’s health system could not cope with increasing COVID-19 cases.

Mustapha further stated that the three drugs shortlisted would be subjected to further investigations by relevant health agencies.

The Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, had confirmed on Tuesday that the ministry is screening 19 local firms for the production of herbal drugs that could possibly treat or cure COVID-19.

Mustapha during the PTF press briefing noted that the Ministry of Health on Wednesday held a virtual meeting with some researchers and scientists who had made claims about COVID-19 cure and shortlisted three for further research.

He stated, “As a measure of the importance attached to research and development of local capacity for finding a cure to the COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Health held a virtual meeting with a number of researchers and scientists with claims to cure for COVID 19 and out of the numerous claimants, three were found to deserve further investigation and have been forwarded to the relevant authorities for appropriate review.”

“Similarly, efforts are being made by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to subject some locally manufactured COVID-19 equipment to verification and subsequent certification.”