Doctors pulled into line over virus claims

The Covid Medical Network (CMN) – which has labelled the banning of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as an early coronavirus treatment option “unwarranted” – received the notice from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.The CMN, which is based in Melbourne, has also raised doubts over the use of PCR tests, as they only give a positive or negative result rather than how infectious someone is.The group has also claimed prolonged mask use could be harmful to someone’s health.The Covid Medical Network confirmed on its website that it had received a formal “cease and desist” letter from the TGA to take down the “Early Treatments” section from its website.“They have construed the information to be a form of advertising,” the doctors said.“We are currently consulting with our lawyers and the TGA regarding how best to provide the information in a manner that would not reasonably be construed as advertising the medications associated with the safe and effective treatment of early COVID illness.”The network also has a disclaimer on its website that advises people that any medical information is “merely information – not advice”.It says the information on its website was for “educational purposes only” and should not be “construed in any way … (as) providing medical advice, promoting or advertising medications such as Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin and Doxycycline”.“Research into potential treatments and preventatives for COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving space and there is a genuine need to keep consumers informed of research and advances in a balanced and measured way,” the doctors said.The group of senior medical doctors and health professionals was formed during Victoria’s second crippling lockdown due to concerns over the health impacts of lockdowns in response to coronavirus outbreaks in Victoria and Australia.They claimed at the time the Victorian government’s response to the pandemic was “doing more harm than good”.“Many Australian doctors and other health professionals consider the lockdown measures to be disproportionate, not scientifically based and the cause of widespread suffering for many Victorians,” the doctors said.The TGA has been contacted for comment.jack.paynter@news.com.au