08/08/2020 - 16:52
- Clarín.com
- World
In an unusual decision, the Bolivian Parliament approved a controversial law that authorizes the use of chlorine dioxide as a treatment against Covid-19, although it remains to be seen if the government of the interim president Jeanine Áñez will put it into effect in the middle of a deep power struggle in the Andean country.
However, the mere fact of debating the initiative in the legislature opened the sale of the product, even with offers even on social networks.
The Legislative Assembly of Bolivia has a majority of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) of Evo Morales, which maintains a confrontation with the interim government of Jeanine Áñez, who has refused to enact several laws and has been the one who acts as president of Parliament, Eva Copa , of the majority party, who has sanctioned them.
Senator Milton Barónes, one of the promoters of the law and a member of the MAS, justified the use of chlorine dioxide. “It is subject to the decision of the citizen who wants to go to that alternative. It is not mandatory, ”he said, given the rejection that the norm triggered in doctors and scientific organizations in the country.
The rule states that "citizens may use Chlorine Dioxide Solution, as an alternative means, to prevent or treat infection and the consequences caused by the Coronavirus," indicates a Senate bulletin.
A vendor offers chlorine dioxide on the streets of La Paz, after approval by Parliament. (AP)
He adds that the purchase of the product will not require a prescription and that its application must be done "under the informed consent of the patient."
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have advised against the use of the compound due to the lack of scientific evidence.
The Áñez administration has opposed that initiative, so it was unclear whether the president will enact the rule or leave it in limbo.
The power struggle deepened the country's political crisis and threatens to worsen the health emergency. Unions related to Morales have maintained roadblocks in much of the country since Monday in rejection of the postponement of the presidential elections until October 18.
Bolivia reported 87,891 positive cases of coronavirus and 3,524 deaths as of Saturday.
