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Carolina Antunes / PR
Bolsonaro has adopted a moderate tone in his fifth statement since the crisis began.
On Wednesday night (08), the President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, again defended the use of the drug hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of covid-19 disease, caused by the new coronavirus. This is Bolsonaro’s fifth statement since the beginning of March, when the epidemic intensified in Brazil.
Hydroxychloroquine has been used in Brazil since the 1950s. It is indicated for the treatment of various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and malaria.
The drug has been used experimentally in other countries, although there is not enough clinical evidence to guarantee that it is effective or safe in the treatment of covid-19. Side effects can include cardiac arrhythmia and possible damage to vision and hearing. According to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), the drug must be used with great care, as it can be lethal in some circumstances.
Today’s statement was also the first in which Bolsonaro began his speech giving solidarity to the families of the victims of the disease. This Wednesday, Brazil reached the mark of 800 deaths from the disease.
The speech of the President of the Republic was accompanied by “pots” in protest against the government in some Brazilian capitals, such as São Paulo (SP).
Bolsonaro spoke for almost five minutes on national radio and television. In addition to chloroquine, the president again emphasized his concern for the economy: he fears the damaging effects of the closure of trade and the social distance imposed in several Brazilian states.
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EPA / Thiago Bernardes
The panels have been constant since the president’s first pronouncements.
“I always said that we had to solve two problems: the virus and unemployment. That should be dealt with simultaneously. I respect the autonomy of governors and mayors. Many measures, whether restrictive or not, are their sole responsibility. The federal government was not Asked about its breadth or duration. I hope that, soon, we will come out together and stronger, so that we can better develop our country, “Bolsonaro said.
The President also took the opportunity to thank the Prime Minister of India, the conservative Narendra Modi, for sending raw materials to Brazil for the manufacture of hydroxychloroquine tablets. The material will arrive in Brazil until Saturday, he said. “I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people for this timely help to the Brazilian people,” he said.
Bolsonaro also pointed out that tomorrow the government will begin to pay R $ 600 of emergency aid to informal and unemployed workers.
Bolsonaro quotes Dr. Roberto Kalil to defend chloroquine
Speaking about chloroquine, Bolsonaro said the drug can be used to treat the disease “from its early stage,” which runs counter to the current recommendation by the Ministry of Health that the drug be used by critically ill patients or admitted to hospitals.
Bolsonaro also mentioned the case of Dr. Roberto Kalil Filho, a São Paulo cardiologist who contracted the new coronavirus and used chloroquine in his own treatment, according to Bolsonaro.
“I recently spoke with Dr. Roberto Kalil. I congratulated him on his honesty and commitment to the Hippocratic Oath, assuming he not only used hydroxychloroquine but also administered it to dozens of patients. All are saved. He told me more. Despite the fact that he did not finish the test protocol, he administered the drug now, so as not to regret it in the future, “said the president, congratulating the doctor.
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