The announcement made by the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, about the drugs being utilized to treat COVID-19 patients in Nigeria has stirred attention. According to Ehanire, disclosing this information may lead some people to engage in self-medication, potentially resulting in overdose.
Currently, 24 Coronavirus patients have been discharged from the Infectious Disease Hospital in Lagos. In a press briefing on April 3 in Abuja, Ehanire emphasized that the drugs used for treatment are the concern of the healthcare providers offering the care. He mentioned that doctors share information with each other on the drugs being used, and over time they will compile a report on the effectiveness of different treatments.
Ehanire also highlighted a reported case of chloroquine poisoning in Lagos, where individuals attempted to self-treat. Stressing the importance of not engaging in self-medication, he advised against seeking the names of specific drugs without a confirmed diagnosis.
The Minister’s statements reveal the cautious approach being taken in managing the dissemination of information about the specific treatments being used for COVID-19 in Nigeria.