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Medicine man’s COVID-19 cure not approved

9 December 2020 04:48 am - 25     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A potion promoted by ayurvedic practitioner Dhammika Bandara from Hettimulla, Kegalle has not been approved by the Health Ministry.

Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told Daily Mirror the Drug Authority and the Food Authority of the Health Ministry has not recognised the product.

Commissioner of Ayurveda Chathura Kumarathunge told Daily Mirror that Bandara is not registered as an Ayurvedic practitioner.

However, he said that there is no complaint made against the Ayurvedic practitioner so an investigation will not be carried out.

Hundreds of people gathered in Kegalle yesterday to obtain samples of the product after it was reported that the product can cure or prevent someone from contracting the coronavirus.

It was reported that Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of State for Vocational Affairs Dr Seetha Arambepola and the Minister in charge of the COVID-19 pandemic Dr Sudarshini Fernandopulle had tasted the potion.

When asked by Daily Mirror if the potion has been tested and is approved as a possible cure for the coronavirus, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that the Health Ministry has not given such a certification of approval.

“Any product must be approved by the Drug Authority as a drug or the Food Authority must identify it as food. We understand this potion is made with some food ingredients. But to my knowledge it has not been specifically identified as a drug or food product,” he said.

However, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that there are other mechanisms through which individuals can obtain approval for drugs or food products. He said that a product can be approved as a herbal drug or indigenous drug through other Stateapproved institutions.

“They can obtain such approval. I am not aware if such approval has been obtained. We do not have such information. All I can confirm is that the Health Ministry has not approved it as a drug or food,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that the authorities are evaluating other forms of medications said to be available as a cure for the coronavirus. (EASWARAN RUTNAM AND INDIKA SRI ARAVINDA)


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  Comments - 25

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  • Mm Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:13 AM

    If it works so well, why hasn’t this man given it to all the covid positive patients at IDH and all quarantine center people. He claims it will cure covid in 3 days! Good for gullible fools

    selvakumar Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:14 AM

    coronavirus make it's everybody's madness to island!!!

    Idiot Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:19 AM

    Rather than talking so much, why don't you all test it?? Ask the ministers whether they liked the taste!!!

    Whitey Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:20 AM

    Is Eliyanth White's portions approved!!!

    Sokrates Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:25 AM

    As long as the people of this country believe in charlatans, Sri Lanka will always remain a third world country.

    Odin Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:27 AM

    Since that spoonful of honey Pavithra took didn't help the medicine go down?

    Failed Doctors Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:32 AM

    Doctors advise : Until then wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap. We know only this and it is approved.

    Anton Weerasinghe Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:41 AM

    So it can be proved that Sri Lankans are generally fools, example 6,7 million voted for SLPP

    Bandu Wednesday, 09 December 2020 08:18 AM

    Yes everything needs approvals and standards - Only God and Politicos exempt.

    Jaffna Logic Wednesday, 09 December 2020 09:01 AM

    Just imagine a comedy film in which “ those assigned as experts have no clue whatsoever to a problem, but they have the authority to stop anyone else claiming to fix the problem”. This is the ridiculous situation we have, I hope the President intervenes and override the doctors and enable the Ayurvedic treatment to go ahead.

    BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 09 December 2020 09:05 AM

    This is not a surprise, when almost 70% of this countries population ignorantly re-elected leaders who bankrupt

    Sambo Wednesday, 09 December 2020 09:05 AM

    This is like the "WADAKAHA SUDIYA" era. So we are back to the sixties.

    Leo Wednesday, 09 December 2020 09:09 AM

    The health ministry is good for nothing. They claim the drug is no good, have they even tested it. They claim there are other drugs to cure covid-19 patients . Why has it not been given to patients. The image today shows the plight of covid-19 patients in Dankotuwa hospital, what is the ministry doing?

    Lumbini Wednesday, 09 December 2020 09:19 AM

    There were TV pictures yesterday that the portion is distributed to armed personal and the police. Shouldn't it be given to Covid patients and old people?

    V. Samantha Matharaarachchi Wednesday, 09 December 2020 10:48 AM

    What is the base to reject this medicine? Is it due to that he is not a registered practitioner? Check the medicine he invented and not the person. If the authority is unable to check it send it to other country and get it checked. Don't be so wise.

    joshua Wednesday, 09 December 2020 11:21 AM

    Can we legally sell these kind of nonsense without it being approved? What kind of a country we are living?

    Jagadeesh Wednesday, 09 December 2020 12:33 PM

    Irs difficult for a minster to make money out of it, so this wont be approved.

    Selvakumar Wednesday, 09 December 2020 01:57 PM

    I things now sri Lanka maintain the medical standard same as a British medical standard!!!

    sanda Wednesday, 09 December 2020 03:19 PM

    Who cares if it cures just allow it

    lankan Wednesday, 09 December 2020 06:01 PM

    God! please save us from Jokers.

    Don Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:26 PM

    There are many mystic potions made by Fake Dr. White and Kegalle Dhammika. Kegalle Dhammika is the owner of Badrakaali Kovil, who is tasting blood money for ages. Minister Pa....Wa...is a shame to the world of Health.

    MUNAS Wednesday, 09 December 2020 07:30 PM

    BASIL WILL APPROVE IF GIVEN 15% COMMISION.

    Nasneen Thursday, 10 December 2020 02:02 PM

    There are so many home made medicines people use and benefit now. Not necessary get more trouble.

    Sunanda Withana Friday, 11 December 2020 04:31 PM

    We must accept this medicine. If someone not agree must give his medicine. If not reject his idea and

    ஜீவிதன் Wednesday, 16 December 2020 11:34 AM

    To be honest people are the problem. Why are people so hypocritical. We are dealing with a virus and there are no cure to almost every virus related illnesses, and ppl learn the difference between vaccine and antidote. He is selling antidote which he claims will cure a sick person. Vaccine is to prevent you from even contracting the virus


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