Sleep disorders and health complications linked to the consumption of dangerous substances sold in patent medicine stores have prompted an investigation by the Cross River State government.
Residents of Ebom and other communities in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State are facing widespread sleep disorders and other health problems linked to the consumption of dangerous substances. These substances, sold in patent medicine stores across the state, have caused severe side effects. Over a week ago, the Ebom community was particularly affected by sleep disorders, suspected to be caused by either trypanosomiasis or substance abuse, leading to several hospitalizations.
Following this, the state government ordered an investigation into all medicine sellers, particularly patent medicine vendors in the area. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, directed the directorates of medical and pharmaceutical services within the State Ministry of Health to urgently investigate the activities of local patent medicine sellers in Ebom and surrounding communities. Ayuk explained that the directive came after laboratory analysis of blood and urine samples collected from victims at Asi Ukpo Hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital revealed high levels of benzodiazepines, powerful sedatives and depressants. He emphasized that benzodiazepines are potent and dangerous drugs with potentially fatal outcomes and should never be dispensed without a certified medical officer's authorization. The Commissioner assured Cross Riverians that the government would take all necessary steps to bring illegal dispensers of these dangerous drugs to justice. 'The directorates of Medical and Pharmaceutical Services will work closely with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the State Health Quality and Anti-Quackery Taskforce to immediately commence an inquiry into the stakeholders involved in the misuse of benzodiazepines and other substances in the affected communities,' Ayuk stated
HEALTH INVESTIGATION DRUGS BENDZOIDIAPINES CROSS RIVER STATE
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