The Ebonyi Government has totally banned the sale of tramadol and codeine-containing products in chemists, pharmacies and other health facilities in the state.
Dr Sunday Nwangele, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. David Umahi on Health Services, announced this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.
Nwangele who said that the ban took immediate effect, added that restriction has also been placed on the sale of antibiotics and analgesics Over The Counter (OTC) in these health outlets.
“Henceforth, issuance of antibiotics and analgesics will be strictly on doctor’s prescription as this directive will be adequately monitored,” he said.
“OTC drugs are not affected by the restriction as is obtained in the country, African continent and other parts of the world.
“The OTC drugs such as paracetamol, minimal dosage of Ibuprofen, aspirin, among others, are basic analgesics and drugs used to treat fever but we are talking of serious analgesics.
“These analgesics are orally administered, injected into the muscles or veins and can also be steroidal or non-steroidal.
“This is the area doctor’s prescription comes in because such drugs such as tramadol are greatly abused and they reflect in the brain.
“The state government is aware of the devastating effects of these drugs especially on the youths which have led to increase in crime and other social vices,” he said.
