He said the ministry had reached an agreement with Pfizer on the purchase of its anti-viral called Paxlovid, adding that the stock is expected to arrive soon.

“The first round of use for the treatment of high-risk patients will be carried out in the next two weeks.

“The ministry has ordered over 100,000 anti-viral pills and will look to order more depending on its effectiveness,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of the National Kidney Foundation’s 16th Annual Dialysis Conference today.

High-risk patients include the elderly, immunocompromised and those with co-morbidities.

“Using this anti-viral medication could help ease the burden on healthcare services too, if they are effective,” Khairy said.

He added that the ministry was also looking at other treatment options, namely Molnupiravir by Merck and Astra Zeneca’s anti-viral pill.

On Covid-19, Khairy said while cases have been rising, the use of intensive care unit (ICU) beds for Covid-19 patients at public hospitals and the mortality rate still remain under control.

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