Telangana's AYUSH Dept. Distributes Medicine For Covid-19

Hundreds of people thronged to Hyderabad's Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resources Department Institute (MCRHRDI) in Jubilee Hills to get a homeopathic 'preventive medication' for the novel coronavirus.

A stall which was distributing the 'prophylactic medicine for coronavirus illness' was set up by Telangana's (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy) AYUSH Department, following an advisory by the Centre, which had claimed 'Arsenic Alb 30 P' to be a medicine which could prevent the virus.

The stall advised dosage of 6 pills daily, half an hour before and after each meal of the day. For infants who were below 1 year, it advised the usage of 3 pills along with breast milk.

On Tuesday alone, officials said that 11,500 doses had been distributed to over 3,500 members. According to officials, these homeopathic medicines will be distributed in all dispensaries across the state as well.

According to Medical Officers on duty, the pills were generally given for respiratory diseases at different 'P' or potency levels, and also for Swine Flu.

Speaking to media, homeopathy physician and Senior Medical Officer, DK Homeo Government Hospital, Dr S Ramachandar said, "Aresenica Alb is not only meant for coronavirus but any kind of influenza. It works as an immune booster. 200 P is for swine Flu while 30P is for coronavirus symptoms.”

According to officials, the specific medicine is available at any homeopathy dispensary in the state. The same is being distributed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad since the past month.

The special distribution drive will be extended as per the instructions from higher officials, those present at the stall said.

When asked if the medication being distributed had been tested, Dr Vijaya Sravanthi, Medical Officer at MCRHRDI's Ayush dispensary, who was overseeing the distribution of the pills, said, "The Central Council of Homeopathy has certified that this can be given for patients showing coronavirus symptoms. Homoeopathic medicines will be based on symptoms. These pills are not just for coronavirus but all influenza. The potency differs from one virus to another and it’s not a cure but, only for prevention."