Kwaku Agyeman-Manu
Following measures to curb substance abuse by a section of the public, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has banned codeine-laced cough syrup from the Ghanaian market.
According to the directive, the registration, importation and manufacturing of cough syrups containing codeine should be suspended by stakeholders with immediate effect.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Pharmacy Council were also directed to enforce the requirements which make the distribution of tramadol, products and all doses of codeine as prescription-only drugs and controlled medicines.
Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu explained that the measures are part of efforts to effectively deal with the abuse of tramadol and the abuse of cough syrups that contain codeine, particularly among the youth.
He made this known during the launch of the reviewed edition of the National Medicines Policy.
The medicine policy is a guideline to medicine prescription in the country by health officers aimed at improving local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry to support health outcomes in Ghana.
There is a growing trend of tramadol abuse among Ghanaian youth in some parts of the country.
Recent surveys have shown the drug is also used among market women, drivers, and in some cases, students.
The abuse of tramadol, a pain relief drug, according to medical experts, functions like heroin and can cause psychotic problems, as well as damage vital organs in the human body.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri