The Cross River State government has ordered an immediate investigation into the activities of medicine vendors, particularly patent medicine dealers, in Ebom and other communities within Abi Local Government Area.
This directive follows an outbreak of abnormal sleep disorders affecting several residents in Ebom, suspected to be linked to trypanosomiasis or substance abuse.
Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, in a statement released on Tuesday, attributed the sleep disorder to high levels of benzodiazepines, a class of powerful sedatives, found in blood and urine samples of affected individuals.
Benzodiazepines, he emphasized, are potent drugs with potentially fatal side effects and should only be dispensed under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
The investigation, led by the state’s Directorates of Medical and Pharmaceutical Services, will involve mapping and evaluating the operations of patent medicine vendors, assessing their certifications and staffing, identifying their drug suppliers, and examining the health-seeking behaviours of affected individuals.
The team, comprising representatives from the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the State Health Quality and Anti-Quackery Taskforce, has been given one week to complete the investigation.
The government has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of medicines available to Cross Riverians and vowed to bring those involved in the illegal distribution of these dangerous drugs to justice.
