Health ministry using new drug to prevent deterioration of Covid patients

The health ministry is using baricitinib, a new drug combination, to prevent Covid-19 patients from transitioning to a more severe category, says Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.

He said the new combination is administered to Covid-19 patients at a rate of between two and four milligrammes to prevent the risk of developing pneumonia.

He added that the ministry will continue to monitor patient information through the MySejahtera application as information on the improvement or transition of patients from Category One to more severe health conditions in Categories Three to Five is dynamic.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday after the handing over of the final batch of Sinovac vaccines by Pharmaniaga Bhd Group managing director Zulkarnain Md Eusope to the ministry, he also urged patients to continue making self-assessment through the mobile application, especially those who are undergoing home quarantine.

On vaccination for adolescents in the country, he said the government would wait for further clinical data from Pfizer International on the matter.

Currently, he said, it will focus on completing the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for the adult population first.

Adham said the ministry is also considering giving vaccines to support groups at schools including bus drivers, school security guards and food suppliers as part of efforts to protect students from Covid-19 infection.