B/A : FDA Rolls Out Sensitization Program On Tramadol Abuse For Schools

The Brong Ahafo regional Chapter of the Food and Drugs Authority(FDA) has rolled out a sensitization programme on Tramadol Abuse for students in the Senior High Schools(ShS) in the region.

The programme was aimed to educate youths specially ShS Students on the dangers inherent in abusing Tramadol in order to curb the social menace.

The Brong Ahafo Regional Director of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) , Mr. Matthew Gyang Nkum,in his presentation at the Chiraa ShS, said the medicinal benefits of Tramadol can quickly become harmful when it's not taken as prescribed.

"Regular use or overuse can cause side effects,many of which can be dangerous similar to illegal drugs" he stated.

“Its abuse can lead to seizures and even death,” she cautioned.

The education comes in response to the current wave of abuse of the Tramadol drugs.

Mr. Nkum advised the students to desist from Tramadol abuse as it can have effect on their education and urged them to educate their brothers and sisters to do the same.

Chiraa Senior High School (SHS),Odumaseman SHS and among others are schools FDA held the sensitization programme.

"As we have started, we will tour all the SHS schools in the region to educate them and curtail the menace which has a harmful and dangerous effect on their health.

According to Mr. Nkum, the use of Tramadol is not illegal if it is prescribed by a medical expert.

He said abuse of Tramadol hydrochloride and codeine in cough syrups has significantly increased in the country, a situation that is of great concern to the FDA.

The authorities have come under a lot of pressure recently to clamp down on the illegal dealers of the drug which some of the addicts have argued that it helps in boosting their energy to do manual work.

Health experts have however warned against such uses of Tramadol because the consequences are dire and cannot be compared to the temporary relief it gives.

The Assistant Headmaster in charge of Domestic activities expressed her profound gratitude to FDA and urged them to continue the education on tramadol abuse as it is increasing in the regional.

" I am really happy for this programme,advising and showing video's of effect on tramadol abuse to students will help them to stay away from this bad practice" she added.