Man from Bradford urging people to sign up to antiviral drug trial
It's to see how the antiviral drug can help ease the symptoms of Covid-19
Last updated 25th Jan 2022
A Bradford man who's taking part in an antiviral drug trial - to find Covid-19 treatments to reduce symptoms for older people and those with medical conditions - has urged more people to join him.
It comes after the NHS wants to get at least 6,000 more people over the age of 50 or with an underlying health condition who test positive for COVID-19 to sign up for a world-first COVID-19 study (called PANORAMIC) by the end of January.
Harkashan Mistry, the general secretary of the city's Hindu council, tested positive last Monday and was eligible for the trial that started last week (17 January).
After getting the medication on Tuesday (18 January) he tells us he saw an immediate improvement - which doctors hope could be the same for others who get the virus.
He went on to say:
“I'm happy to help because if I can help someone from not going to hospital and reduce the burden on the NHS, I'mdoing my part for the country.
"As its not just for the country but for the whole worldwide.
"It's not rewarding but I just want to contribute and to help my community and take part in the trial as the more people take part the better analysis."
He continued:
"It's very simple to take part, and if you're have a health condition and you got some tablets that would make you better, wouldn't you just want to have a go?"