Uganda’s Covid19 herbal medicine Covidex has hit the Ugandan market despite warnings from National Drug Authority (NDA).
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (Must), the holder of intellectual property (IP) rights for Covidex, says the herbal medicine’s formula leaked.
Lead Covidex developer Prof Patrick Ogwang also agreed there was need for NDA approval before the herbal medicine could be used.
Yet Ugandans are desperate for a Covid19 cure, and businessmen and women keen on milking money from this despair.
Despite warnings from Must and NDA, Covidex is reportedly available in shops, supermarkets and pharmacies, including major ones in the capital Kampala.
State House has dismissed claims President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni okayed the mass production of Covidex before approval.
“Please disregard claims that President Museveni has okayed mass production of Covidex,” said senior presidential press secretary Lindah Nabusayi.
“The President does support various scientists, including Prof. Ogwang with funding research and innovation including developing a Covid19 cure. This process is ongoing. NDA is mandated to approve production.”
Even when Covidex might provide relief to Covid19 patients, using it without NDA’s approval could be risky since there’s is no record of its side effects.
With desperate times calling for desperate means, a section of Ugandans has continued to pile pressure on NDA to fasttrack the approval of Covidex.
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