The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications began selling and distributing Molnupiravir capsules yesterday.
The working group for the management and distribution of strategic drugs for Covid-19 issued a codification on the distribution of the capsules, which are effective in the treatment of patients suffering from mild or severe cases of Covid-19, on Wednesday.
According to the announcement, the availability of this medication is another important weapon in the nation’s arsenal in the fight against the virus. Record setting rates of vaccination and strict adherence to the ‘three dos and don’ts’ are crucial tools in the battle, but should a patient become infected, these pills will greatly increase their chances of making a full, rapid, recovery.
One course of the medicine consists of 40 tablets, which should be taken over five days. Each course of Molnupiravir will be sold by the ministry for just $55. Sales are available to all, although there are strict conditions regarding the quantity each individual or organisation may purchase, as well as the frequency of the purchases. There is also a strict limit on the maximum one can charge if on-selling the capsules. These restrictions are designed to eliminate profiteering and increase access to these drugs for those who may need them.
A private individual may order from 5 to 10 doses at a time, while private hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and sub-pharmacies may acquire from 5 to 100 doses. There is a ban on purchasing Molnupiravir within two weeks of a prior purchase. The maximum re-sale price anybody can charge for a course of the capsules is $65.
They will be available from the Ministry of Posts during all regular working hours.
The Ministry of Health also issued instructions on the correct usage of the medicine. They recommend that following a diagnosis of Covid-19, and ideally within five days of the onset of symptoms, a course of Molnupiravir should be begun immediately. Four 200mg tablets should be taken each twelve hours, for five days.
“If a patient forgets to take Molnupiravir within 10 hours of the correct time, they should take it as soon as possible and resume regular doses,” it said. “If more than 10 hours have passed they should skip that dose and resume the schedule on the next cycle,” it added. The capsules should not be opened or crushed, and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
Tep Bunthoeun, a resident of Kampong Speu province, expressed his happiness at the availability of Molnupiravir capsules. He said he is aware that the global pandemic is not yet over, and so this medicine may help the people of Cambodia to survive better than they could without it.
Bunthoeun added that no matter how effective the capsules may be, people should not neglect to follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, including the 3 dos and 3 don’ts measures to protect themselves from Covid-19 infections and to wear face masks.
“I am very happy that Cambodia has this medicine and I hope that in the near future, Cambodia will not have any more deaths from Covid-19,” he said.
This article was first published in Khmer Times. All contents and images are copyright to their respective owners and sources.
