Government Gets Serious About the Ivermectin Fiasco
Bottom line: The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) is cracking down on anyone who keeps flogging ivermectin as the magical cure for COVID‑19. The folks from the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (shortened to Pofma) are coming down hard, and the medical pros tell us straight: it’s not the answer.
What’s the Story?
- In early October, a retread of the press conference featured Health Minister Ong Ye Kung talking about the dangerous rumors swirling around ivermectin.
- He pointed out that the dosages used in labs to kill COVID‑19 in test tubes are far too high for people to safely take.
- Apparently, 23,100 illicit ivermectin tablets were intercepted by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) between September 10 and October 6.
- And, on a less‑glitzy note, last month a 65‑year‑old retiree fell flat‑deadly sick after taking ivermectin and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Evidence Recap
MOH’s Facebook post on October 15 boiled it down: ivermectin is only approved to treat parasitic worms, not to mop up a viral virus. The Health Sciences Authority has not given the green light for any COVID‑19 use.
MOH’s Big-Mouth Moment
During the multi‑ministry task force’s COVID‑19 briefing, the Minister cleared his throat and said, “We are certainly looking into it,”
with some serious eyebrows. He made it clear that the scientists behind the shield aren’t buying the hype.
Why the Law? The Pofma Angle
Singapore’s Pofma law is all about taking the internet’s falsehoods seriously. By bringing it into play, MOH is saying: “If you’re spreading misinformation about COVID‑19 treatments, you’re in trouble.” No more “miracle remedy” talk on the feed.
Takeaway
Let’s keep it real: ivermectin does not work for COVID‑19. It’s a prescription drug for worms, not an antiviral. And the ministry’s just being straight-up about it—no swagger required.
