The Texas Senate passed HB 25 to make Ivermectin available over the counter in our state, with emphasis on rural areas.
The bill was authored by Edgewood Sen. Bob Hall and added to the special session agenda by Gov. Greg Abbott. Hall said the measure offers all Texans greater medical freedom by increasing treatment options at a much lower price.
Senators Donna Campbell and Charles Schwertner, both medical doctors, spoke in favor of the legislation on the floor, highlighting the need for access to the drug.
Ivermectin was awarded a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015 for its effectiveness in treating a variety of harmful parasitic infections in humans, such as river blindness. Its effectiveness as a broad-spectrum antiviral, though disputed by some, came into the public eye as an off-label treatment for COVID 19. Since then, advocates have pushed to make the drug more widely available for those seeking to use it.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued a statement today upon passage of the “Making Ivermectin Easily Accessible” bill.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for increased medical freedom in Texas. Today, the Texas Senate passed HB 25 to make Ivermectin available over the counter in our state, with emphasis on rural areas. Senators Donna Campbell and Charles Schwertner, both medical doctors, spoke in favor of this legislation on the floor, highlighting the need for access to this drug. The Texas Senate is committed to increasing medical freedom and ensuring Texans have access to the medical drugs they need.”