Kolkata, Apr 16 () Eminent physician and one of themembers of the state-appointed Global Advisory Board to fightCOVID-19 pandemic, Dr Sukumar Mukherjee, on Thursday saidhydroxychloroquine can be taken in prescribed doses byfrontline health workers in COVID-19 battle it should not beused by everyone.
Health workers who came in contact with confirmedCOVID-19 cases, or with other doctors treating such patientscan have hydroxychloroquine as per dosage prescribed by theIndian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mukherjee said.
The doctor, who was present at the press meet of ChiefMinister Mamata Banerjee, said the medicine was being used for20-25 years for auto-immune diseases.
He said an inhabitant of a house from where acoronavirus infection has been reported can take the tablet inthe prescribed dosage.
However, it is advisable to check if there arecomplications with the eye or heart if the patient isdiabetic, the eminent doctor said.
It cannot be used by everyone, the senior physiciancautioned adding that overuse of the drug is not good.
Mukherjee said COVID-19 deaths in the state are beingdefined as per well-established norms set throughout thecountry and the world.
Opposition parties have been charging the stategovernment with hiding the actual number of deaths caused bycoronavirus infection.
The total number of cases in West Bengal now stands at188, while 10 patients died so far.
The Covid-19 situation in West Bengal is"comparatively better" compared to several other states, buteveryone should cooperate to make the lockdown successful, hesaid.
"We have to strictly enforce social distancing at thisjuncture to ensure there is no transmission in coming weeks,"said the Global Advisory Board member.
Earlier this month, the chief minister announced theformation of the "Global Advisory Board", a policy-making bodywhich will aid the state government in preparing a roadmap forCOVID-19 response in Bengal.
Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee and other eminentpersonalities from the state are members of the board whichwill advise the chief minister in reviving the economy afterthe lockdown is revoked. SUSNN NN
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