Since the Minsa authorized the use of hydroxychloroquine and / or azithromycin as drugs to treat positive COVID-19 patients, a significant decrease in cases of this disease has been noted. For the week of July 25 to July 31, Panama registered 171 deceased, while 73 have been registered in the days that have elapsed this week in August, highlights the Minsa.

Minsa points out that in light of these results, the head of Health, Luis Sucre, decided to maintain the use of hydroxychloroquine as a therapeutic use in hospital wards for patients with coronavirus.

The Minsa is committed to the effective use of hydroxychloroquine as a functional treatment, each population group can experience a diversified reaction to the application of a certain drug, which is influenced by genetic factors or other characteristics of individuals, Minsa explains.

It is worth mentioning that Panama had suspended the use of hydroxychloroquine on June 27, due to a scientific observation made by the British journal The Lancet, however, on July 13, the General Directorate of Public Health, on the instruction of Minister Sucre, issued Circular No. 140 by which public and private health authorities were authorized to resume the use of this drug as a therapeutic option.