News:
March 8, 2018
The Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu has hinted of his intention to restrict access to the use of Tramadol, a known painkiller, to check the rising cases of abuse of the drug unless it is prescribed.
According to the Minister the drug has flooded the Ghanaian market in alarming quantities and has serious addictive tendencies.
He further added that in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council, the drug is being restricted not to be display on shelves of community pharmacies by putting them under lock and key and in addition ensure strict enforcement on distribution as controlled drugs.
Some of the commonly reported side effects of tramadol include, agitation, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, hallucination, nausea, tremor, vomiting, and diaphoresis and insomnia.
Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, the Minister said the government will also “organise swoops on illicit tramadol products on the market.”
He also said there will be “intensified public education on “Frequently Asked Questions” on social media platforms, ongoing public education on tramadol use at public areas such as transport terminals, schools, marketplaces, beaches among others.”
By: Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/ghanamps.com