Medical experts around the world have remained tough in fighting the coronavirus as the number of cases have continued to rise. Amid the pandemic, medical professionals have started to get worried about the possible shortage of medical supplies once healthcare systems become overwhelmed with the influx of patients.
Despite the series of obstacles, health experts have continued to find ways to stop the spread of the virus by trying to find a cure for those already infected. One such drug that's currently being considered to be a possible answer is an antimalaria drug.
In Australia, Health Minister Greg Hunt reassured the public that a "significant supply" of the drug, also known as hydroxychloroquine, will soon be ready to supply the country's healthcare system.
"I have just come off a call with a supplier, and I am confident we will have a significant supply of hydroxychloroquine if doctors wish to use them with patients who are in [the] hospital," Hunt said during his speech on Wednesday, April 1, via A Current Affair.
Hunt thanked australians for cooperation
During his speech, Hunt mentioned the rates of infection, which have dropped in recent days. On Sunday, March 29, there was only a 9.4% increase, compared to 26.2% on March 22.
The situation in Australia is improving even without the further use of the said drug. He congratulated the authorities who were implementing the preventive measurements and also thanked the Australian citizens for their cooperation.
Antimalarial drug vs. coronavirus
Hydroxychloroquine was used decades ago to treat patients suffering from malaria and lupus. According to medical practitioners, there is vaccine or cure for COVID-19 yet, and it would take several months to years to find, research, develop, and mass produce one.
Even though there is no vaccine, some studies have conducted tests and the results have showed that this antimalaria drug was able to "keep the COVID-19 molecules from entering cells."
The drug got the attention of medical experts since its trial in France. As part of the medical trial, 40 patients with coronavirus received the drug, and after three to six days, their airways were reported to have cleared. Despite the results provided by some researchers, experts are still hesitant in using the antimalaria drug to treat patients with the coronavirus due lack of further studies by experts.
The Health Minister of France, Olivier Veran, said that it can be used "only"' if the infected person is in serious hospital condition, which will still depend on the decision of his or her doctors.
"It's not fully proven, but there have been some promising trials around the world," Hunt said in his speech.
Meanwhile, the US President Donald Trump told the public that medical experts are also performing tests using the drug. He shared on his official Twitter account that the antimalaria drug can be combined with azithromycin--an antibiotic, which he believed would give medical experts an advantage to lessen the spread of the virus. This recommendation, however, has not been endorsed by medical professionals for general treatment of patients.
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