Communities in Teso warned against buying hawked drugs

SOROTI-The National Drug Authority [NDA] has warned local communities in Teso Sub-region against buying hawked drugs, some of which could be expired or counterfeit.

This call was made during a one-week sensitisation drive by NDA in the districts of Bukedea, Amuria, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Kalaki and Soroti where officials noted that hawked drugs have a high potential to harm patients instead of healing them from diseases.

Musa Pande, the regional manager NDA, Teso region said the authority mandated to regulate drugs sold on the Ugandan market wants to get rid of drugs being Soroti outside of the gazetted points such s drug shops and pharmacies.

He explained that the locals who buy hawked drugs are most likely to face drug resistance since medicines are exposed to heat rendering them useless. Some experts define drug resistance as the reduction in the effectiveness of a medication in treating a disease or condition.

Pande also advised the local communities to always buy medicines from licensed drug shops, pharmacies, and hospitals to receive better services.

He warned medicine hawkers who disappeared from the markets after being tipped about the presence of NDA in the area to stop or else would face the law.

“Once we get you, there will be no compromise. Don’t say we didn’t warn you,” he warned.

Pande urged those engaged in the illegal business of hawking drugs to stop, saying they can only do that after undergoing training and getting licences.

Micheal Rwabahira, an inspector of drugs Teso region, said many common illnesses like malaria have become resistant because of rational drug use.

Samuel Elabu, chairperson Amukaru Market in Soroti district requested NDA to continue sensitising the communities so that people can understand the dangers of buying hawked drugs.

Meanwhile, Francis Akorikin, district chairperson Kapelebyong, applauded NDA, saying markets are not ideal places to sell and buy drugs and pledged to work hand in hand with the local authorities to fight the vice.

However, Emmanuel Olaboro, a resident in Bukedea district blamed the government for not putting strict laws in hospitals where these medicines are smuggled from.

“If only the government can hold medical personnel accountable the vice would be eliminated,” he said.

https://thecooperator.news/nda-closes-health-clinics-as-drugs-worth-shs-150mln-are-impounded/

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