"They [anti-malaria drugs] have proven to be quite effective, but they do not always save lives", Murashko said, as aired on "Pozner" show on Pervyi channel.
According to the minister, a lot depends on the stage at which the treatment started.
Meanwhile, the laboratories are looking for a drug that would help stop the virus from replicating itself.
"There are many potential options today, including the registered ones, proven to be safe", Murashko said.
He added that it was important to use these medicines only under the control of a doctor.
Russia has 6,343 COVID-19 cases in 80 regions, the coronavirus response centre said on Monday.
Two coronavirus patients have died in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 47.
As many as 51 people have been discharged from hospitals over the same period of time, bringing the total number of recoveries to 406.