World Health Day: People Warned Against Non-Prescribed Drugs Usage

Bashir Khalid, FURYAM

As the community around the globe commemorate the World Health Day, health experts have cautioned people against the use of non-prescribed drugs.

World Health Day which is set aside by the World Health Organization is observed every year on April 7 to draw attention to particular health topic that affects people all over the world.

Similarly, it also marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO) which founded in 1948.

One of the experts on health matters Dr. Hassan Muhammad Garba, a Medical Director with the Palycon Hospital Bauchi who was speaking to our correspondent, said one-third of the users of non-prescribed medicine experience life theeat.

Dr. Hassan Garba however said the use of non prescribed drugs poses more dangers to human body than the ailment, hence the need for people to be examined by a healthcare professionals so that the correct medication will be prescribed.

The Medical Director attributed the acts to lack of education and therefore called on the relevant authorities to discourage it by fishing out quacks and let them face the wrath of the law.

"Most people undertake self medication out of poverty or ignorance, and it is important for one to beware of the hamrfulness of self medication might cause."

On the issue of medication adherence, Dr. Garba said discontinuing a medication might worsen the ailment, calling on the people to always finish their drugs as prescribed by the health professional. 

The theme for this year's World Health Day is "Health for All."