Public Warned Against Self-medication For Covid-19

By Sharon Kunda-

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya has warned the public against self-medication in a bid to prevent or treat Covid 19.

Dr. Chilufya says self-medication and late presentation of patients to health facilities is causing them to develop ill conditions and early death.

Speaking during the Covid-19 routine updates in Lusaka today, Dr. Chilufya said the country has continued experiencing a dangerous surge in the number of infections and deaths.

He said 275 new cases of Covid 19 have been recorded in the last 24 hours from 234 tests.

Dr. Chilufya said one death of a critically ill patient has been recorded, bringing the country’s total number of deaths to 200.

He said 478 patients have been discharged in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Chilufya said the country faces the threat of self-medication and resistance to antibiotics due to abuse of drugs such as azithromycin and hydroxy-chloroquine.

And Ministry of Health Director Infectious Diseases Lloyd Mulenga explained that data has shown that the use of hydroxy-chloroquine in those with severe symptoms of Covid-19 leads to higher chances of death.

Professor Mulenga said hydroxy-chloroquine can also cause heart complications.