Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has shut down the Opposition’s recommendation that government moves to order a new anti-viral drug which could soon be on the market to treat Covid-19 patients.

The pharmaceutical company, Merck, is currently seeking US FDA Emergency Use Authorization for its experimental antiviral COVID-19 treatment known as Molnupiravir.

If granted, it would be the first drug to treat the virus.

Speaking before the Standing Finance Committee today,  Minister Deyalsingh reaffirmed that government will not purchase any drug to treat Covid-19 until approval is granted by the World Health Organization.

“That drug is in clinical trials at this point in time. It has not yet been approved by WHO for treatment. That is why I said, we apply the WHO guidelines consistently- not conveniently,” the Health Minister said,