General news of Saturday 6 February 2021
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
2021-02-06
Prof Alexander Dodoo, GSA boss
Professor Alex Dodoo, head of the Ghana Standards Authority, GSA, has asked scientists to scientifically test the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide for the treatment and or cure of coronavirus.
GhanaWeb monitored his comments on Joy FM’s news program Newsfile; on which panel members discussed the general fight against coronavirus in Ghana.
“… let’s conduct a detailed blinding study using what we all know about how to test things and then make a view based on the fact. Without it, we will harm our society, even though the intention of all parties is to save, ‘he said.
He stressed the general consensus of fellow panel members that the current use of the product should be regulated as it can be easily and accidentally misused. ‘As we currently have it, hydrogen peroxide has not been evaluated. It has potential, but it needs to be tested, ‘he added.
He emphasized the role that the FDA had to play in the process of scientifically testing the product. “… we are asking Ghanaian scientists to conduct investigations under the supervision of the Food and Drugs Authority because they will give the license whether it is good or bad,” he concluded.
A recent joint monitoring exercise by Pharmacists’ (PC) and Food and Drugs (FDA) officials has revealed a shortage of hydrogen peroxide in pharmaceutical facilities due to panic purchases.
A statement by the two agencies added that the development has led to the sale of counterfeit and sub-standard hydrogen peroxide on the market.
Pharmacies and drugstores are therefore warned to always buy their stock from licensed wholesalers and manufacturers.
‘The general public is also reminded to buy only hydrogen peroxide approved by the Food and Drugs Authority, and other medicinal products, and to be on the lookout for mandatory FDA registration numbers for such products, if manufactured in Ghana, ‘reads a statement.