(Riya Saha, Intern Journalist) Contradicting his own public health officials, US President Donald Trump has once again defended the use of hydroxychloroquine to ward off coronavirus.
He argued the anti-malaria drug was only rejected as a Covid-19 treatment because he had suggested it.
His remarks come after Twitter banned his eldest son for posting a clip advocating hydroxychloroquine.
However, there is no evidence the drug can fight the virus, and regulators warn it may cause heart problems.
Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned against the use of the drug for the treatment of the coronavirus, following reports of “serious heart rhythm problems” and other health issues.
The FDA also revoked its emergency-use authorization for the use of the said drug to treat Covid-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) says “there is currently no proof” that it is effective as a treatment or prevents Covid-19.
Hydroxychloroquine was first touted in March by Mr. Trump in relation to Covid-19. Two months later he surprised journalists by saying he had begun taking the unproven medication to ward off the virus.
On Tuesday, the president told reporters at the White House: “I can only say that from my standpoint, and based on a lot of reading and a lot of knowledge about it, I think it could have a very positive impact in the early stages.
“I don’t think you lose anything by doing it, other than politically it doesn’t seem too popular. When I recommend something, they like to say ‘don’t use it.”, Trump added.
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