COVID-19 FIGHTBACK A dangerous message Doctor’s fears over Palmer drug advertisement
CLIVE Palmer’s Palmer Foundation has purchased 32,900,000 doses of hydroxychloroquine for Australia’s National Medical Stockpile, but a Townsville doctor is concerned this could perpetuate a dangerous message to the community about the treatment of COVID-19.
The antimalarial drug has been involved in trials across the world, and US President Donald Trump touted the drug as a possible cure for coronavirus, which led to an American man taking a fish tank cleaner of the same name as a treatment for the virus.
Mr Palmer first announced he would buy more than a million doses of hydroxychloroquine on March 23.
But Dr Michael Clements said a recent US study found the drug could actually increase the rate of death in COVID-19 patients.
In a full-page ad in the Townsville Bulletin, Mr Palmer said he believed hydroxychloroquine was the “best hope for those suffering COVID-19”.
TOWNSVILLE families have the chance to add some colour to their isolation thanks to an initiative driven by local creatives.
Ten emerging artists from around the region have produced a digital colouring book of original artworks children can enjoy at home during lockdown.
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts and Regional Arts Services Network North Queensland combined to deliver the paid opportunity to artists.
Umbrella Studio director Kate O’hara is proud of the project her team have been able to bring to life.
“During challenging times people often get creative and we have seen amazing examples of this from across the globe,” Ms O’hara said.
“This project is a way for us to use our skills
“He said that while all Australians had played a critical role in containing the virus, they had to remain vigilant that a second wave did not destroy the economic fabric of the nation and Australian lives,” the ad said.
Mr Palmer said this “small contribution” could help Australia get back on its feet sooner. However, Dr Clements said while this may be a well-intentioned purchase, the drug was actually found to increase the rate of death in COVID-19 pato connect not only with our members but the wider community. It has also been an opportunity to employ and showcase the talents of some local emerging and early career artists.” Jasper Reading is an artist who has contributed to the book. The 16-year-old has drawn a male character with a mask, symbolic of the coronavirus. “I’ve been doing art since I was little just to kill time,” Jasper said. “But as I got older I realised it was one of the things I was good at so I do it more often now. In the future people can look back at the book and see what they did and remember it was during COVID-19.”
The book is part of a colouring competition that is open to children aged 3-11. Visit umbrella.org.au to download the colouring book.
Entries for the competition close May 31. Winners will receive a one-year youth membership to Umbrella Studio and art materials kit. tients in American trials. He said he was concerned people would read the ad and start taking hydroxychloroquine against advice.
“We don’t want people to think because he has done this, everyone should be asking their GPS for it,” Dr Clements said.
“It looks dangerous in terms of treating COVID-19 and the trials in prevention are still way too early to tell.”
The drug is part of an Australian Defence Force drug trial to see if it could be used as a COVID-19 preventive measure. Dr Clements said the medical community frequently see good ideas that never come to fruition because when applied to the human body, it doesn’t always work.
“At the moment, there is no evidence (hydroxychloroquine works), in fact it is dangerous,” Dr Clements said.
“It is a dangerous medication that unless used properly can cause significant side effects.”