Nigerians have been warned against the purchase of large quantity of hydroxychloroquine to treat the novel Coronavirus.
It said the drug had not been certified fit for use.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, gave the warning at the PTF COVID-19 daily press briefing, on Thursday, in Abuja.
He said the body had received reports that Nigerians have been buying hydroxychloroquine in large quantity to treat the virus.
In his words, “We wish to reiterate that this drug has not been certified for use in treating COVID-19 in Nigeria by the relevant health and pharmaceutical authorities.
“Self-medication of any kind is fraught with the danger of increasing risks of avoidable casualties. We therefore strongly warn against self-medication.
“If you are sick, please seek medical advice and if you are confirmed positive, kindly self-isolate in an approved facility, the COVID-19 is highly infectious and dangerous”.
He stated that the PTF has continued to receive support, donation of equipment and solidarity messages from professional organisations.
He acknowledged the support of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN).
Others were the NNPC and its partner, Messrs OCEA S.A, through its Nigerian representative, Mystrose Defense Systems Ltd.
