Sixth hospital gets compassionate special permit to use ivermectin vs. COVID-19

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 5) — Another private hospital has received a compassionate special permit (CSP) to use ivermectin on COVID-19 patients, Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo said on Wednesday.

It is the sixth hospital to get CSP to repurpose the drug originally designed to treat parasitic infections.

"Six hospitals na ang may (six hospitals already have) CSP for ivermectin," Domingo told an online forum. He did not name them. Domingo added it is up to the healthcare facilities if they want to publicly reveal they have CSP.

"Of course, the hospitals can freely identify themselves," he said.

"They are private hospitals not only in Metro Manila. Some are in the provinces rin (also)," he added.

The FDA earlier said oral ivermectin products in the country are only approved for use on animals to prevent heartworm disease and treat infections caused by parasites. The agency added doctors can prescribe topical ivermectin products to individuals with parasitic infestations such as head lice and other skin conditions.

Health experts, including those from the World Health Organization, have said there is not enough proof ivermectin can be used to treat or prevent COVID-19.