DeWine: Board Of Pharmacy Should Revisit Ban On Hydroxychloroquine Sales

The debate rolls on as to whether hydroxychloroquine helps treat coronavirus or not.

(Columbus, Oh.) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is entering the hydroxychloroquine debate.

On July 30, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy released requirements for dispensing or selling Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in Ohio.

In general, the rule prohibits all terminal distributors, such as clinics, non-resident pharmacies and institutional facilities from selling or dispensing the drug for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

There has been plenty of debate as to whether hydroxychloroquine helps treat coronavirus or not.

The National Institutes of Health has halted their clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine. According to their study, the treatment does no harm, but provides no benefit to treating coronavirus.

Despite similar studies, Governor DeWine has asked the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to halt their new rule prohibiting the selling or dispensing of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

“I agree with the statement from Dr. Steven Hahn, Commissioner of U.S. FDA, that the decision about prescribing hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 should be between a doctor and a patient,” said DeWine. “The Ohio Board of Pharmacy and State Medical Board of Ohio should revisit the issue, listen to the best medical science, and open the process up for comment and testimony from experts.”

Additionally, Gov. DeWine is expected to speak Thursday afternoon. There is growing speculation that his news briefing will touch on bars, sports and risk levels throughout the state.