Minister of Health, Osagie Ehaniare, has said that the major plant used to produce the ate-coronavirus Madagascar drug is available in Abuja.
Ehaniare said this as the initial finding of the Federal Government concerning the drug.
He, however, said more would be done on it when fund for the research was available.
Based on the funding angle, observers would note, the conclusion that many expect on the drug may not come too soon.
Speaking during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 media chat on Thursday, Ehaniare said,
“Preliminary results or analysis of the so-called Madagascar herbs or organics done by the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development shows that it is the same plant called artemisia annua which is grown in farms in Abuja.
“We have our institutions, systems, and processes in the country. Any such formulations should be sent to them for verification. I will not put it to use without the endorsement of our institutions,” Buhari had said..
“Further research on its efficacy will be conducted when the grant for the research is approved.”
