PHNOM PENH: The Department of Health has authorized the use of the Molnupiravir, a US-based drug used to treat Covid-19 in emergency cases. According to the Certificate of Emergency Use, signed by the Minister of Health Mam Bunheng, the medicine is an oral pill against Covid-19 which is considered by studies a safe and highly effective treatment for Covid-19.

The minister has stated, however, that such type of drug is used only for public health emergencies, since Molnupiravir is under research and evaluation by health authorities of the Royal Government.

Speaking on Monday at the Closing Ceremony of adult’s Vaccination Campaign and announcing Vaccination Campaign for 5-Year-Olds,

Prime Minister Hun Sen has stated that Cambodia intends to purchase drugs for Covid-19 treatment, and indicated that Molnupiravir, a product developed by Merk company, is in preparation for a possible treatment in the Kingdom.

"Before there was Chinese medicine, now there is American medicine, and studies shows it is better to take American medicine. Do not say that Khmer discriminates United States. No! Whichever treatment is effective in saving the lives of the Cambodian people, we buy."

According to Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Molnupiravir purchase could help treat five to ten thousand people, on a cost of $2.5 million.