Despite opposition from medical community, South Dakota committee passes 'ivermectin freedom' bill

PIERRE, S.D. — A bill allowing South Dakota residents to obtain a drug normally used for de-worming horses without a prescription passed the House of Representative's top health committee on Thursday, Feb. 10.

House Bill 1267's prime sponsor Rep. Phil Jensen, R-Rapid City, called the drug ivermectin a "very economical, very therapeutic" manner to treat COVID-19 — a charge largely decried by health experts, including the state's largest association of doctors.

"It's been mentioned that ivermectin has achieved worldwide fame and status," said Dr. Dan Heinemann, representing the South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians. "Yes, that's because it's an incredible drug for the treatment of intestinal parasites, and that is not a common issue in this country, it is a huge issue in developing countries."

The South Dakota State Medical Association, the lobby of hospitals, and other health groups stood in opposition to the bill, saying ivermectin has proven to be dangerous, even deadly in patients.

Read more: https://www.inforum.com/news/south-dakota/horse-drug-doesnt-safely-treat-covid-says-doctors-s-d-committee-passes-ivermectin-freedom-bill-anyway