Today’s youth have been most affected by this abuse of cough syrup containing codeine
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has imposed a ban on the sale of codeine-induced cough syrups.
It has also restricted access to tramadol-induced drugs in pharmacies or chemical shops nationwide with immediate effect.
The ban implies that these two drugs will be reclassified and dispensed as ‘prescription only medicines’ and would not be prescribed and dispensed at health facilities below the level of district hospitals.
This response by government follows growing public concern over the abuse of tramadol and codeine in the country, especially among young people.
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.
According to the Food & Drugs Authority (FDA), one of the regulatory agencies ensuring full compliance of the new directive, market surveillance will be intensified to ensure that the market is free from such drugs.
The Head of Communications, FDA, James Lartey, in an interview with a local radio station concerning the ban, stated that sanctions will be imposed on pharmacies and chemical shops that defy the order.
“The Ministry of Health has signed an Executive Instrument banning the sale of cough syrup containing codeine. As a regulator, we will continue to do our market surveillance to ensure that the products are not on the market. We will go round, not just the FDA but the Pharmacy Council and other relevant agencies will do a joint work. If it is found in a shop, the necessary regulatory sanction will be taken,” he said.
“The Executive Instrument for the control of the importation, manufacture and sale of tramadol and tramadol containing products (E. I168) is promulgated in accordance with the exercise of the powers conferred on the Minister for Health by section 116 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851),” the FDA said in a public notice.
It added, “The Executive Instrument for the restriction of importation, manufacture and registration of codeine containing cough syrups (E. I. 167) is promulgated in accordance with the powers conferred on the Minister for Health by Section 116 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).”
Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, earlier this year, said the abuse of the opioid and tramadol has become a national threat that must be urgently tackled.
Neighbouring country Nigeria, in May this year, banned the importation and sale of cough syrup containing codeine in the country as part of measure to stop its addiction epidemic.
Today’s youth have been most affected by this abuse of cough syrup containing codeine
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri