The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Oyo state chapter Pharmacist Abiodun Ajibade has disclosed that, a ban placed by the Nigerian ministry of Health on importing and producing codeine-based cough syrups is just a step out of many steps WHICH CANNOT curb drug abuse among the youths.
He made this known to CEOAfrica in an exclusive interview at the Oyo state PSN secretariat where he explained that, a ban on over the counter sales hardly solve the problem as unregulated production and illicit trade ensure that the drug remains available.
The PSN Chairman argued that, the federal government ought to look into other things such as health funding. ‘‘The government has not shown sincerity enough especially on health funding, banning of codeine is a hasty decision taken by the federal government and it is not the solution.’’
Pharmacist Ajibade further explained that drug abuse has been in existence for long and codeine is not the only drug being abused. ‘‘Are you aware that so many drugs are been abused? Are you saying all other drugs should also be banned? I think the three tiers of government should help to safeguard lives in order to curb this disgraceful act. Let them talk about ways to create rehabilitation centres for the drug addicts, ways to help youth come out of this madness, there should be thorough regulation, they should call for thorough investigation on how these dangerous drugs are been distributed from manufacturers to the end users so that they can identify where things have gone wrong and take proper steps to solve it.’’
Pharmacist Ajibade encouraged youths to stop getting addicted as drugs are agents of mass destruction. ‘‘Youths should endeavour to guide their futures because when you abuse drugs, you lose personal functionalities, economically you will not be viable and finally health challenges. So basically, when you are talking about youths, you talk of responsibility, achievement, life and I don’t think a youth will want to be a victim of drug abuse. Drugs are poisons that terminates life untimely.’’
