The Over-The-Counter Medicine Sellers Association in the Teshie Nungua zone say they are worried about the increasing rate of excessive use of drugs among the youth. The most common drug being abused is Tramadol as well as other illicit drugs. The association and the Pharmacy Council are clamping down on over-the-counter medicine sellers who peddle these drugs.
Easy access to medicines provided by private medicine retailing facilities including that of over-the-counter medicine retailers, are common in sub-Saharan Africa. Over-the-counter medicine-sellers, OTCMS, are indispensable in healthcare delivery. They are often the first point of call to treat diseases in most low-and middle-income communities. OTCMS facilities are authorized to retail drugs other than prescription-only medications or pharmacy-only medicines, in rural and peri-urban settings where pharmacists are not readily available to render pharmaceutical service.
They are restricted to the sale of over-the-counter medicines, drugs that are generally regarded as safe for the consumer for use by following the required label directions and warnings. This means they may be purchased without a prescription. However, they are expected to meet the minimum regulatory requirements set for private healthcare providers as well as standards prescribed for medicine retail outlets. At the end of year review and launch of 2024 outreach health program, the over-the-counter medicine sellers association in the Teshie Nungua zone voiced their concerns about the high rate of drug abuse among the youth in Teshie Nungua and are anxious to deal with the problem.
As part of their 2024 health outreach program, the over-the-counter medicine sellers association are beginning a comprehensive campaign, which will also include TB and general health education. A former Deputy Minister for Health Dr. Gladys Ashitey said the menace of drug abuse is negatively affecting the lives of the youth in the Teshie Nungua community, which makes it critical for all to support in dealing with the situation.
The Director of Health Services for the Ledzokuku Municipal Health Directorate Madam Jacquiline Sfarijlani said the health directorate will deploy health professionals to assist over-the-counter medicine sellers to deal with the growing menace of drug abuse in the community. The Pharmacy Council says there are punitive measures for over-the-counter sellers who retail illegal drugs to customers.
