In order to reduce harm caused by medication errors, the federal government in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned Nigerians against self-medication highlighting the dangers as devastating.

Nigeria’s Minister of health, Dr.Osagie Ehanire, who was represented by the director, hospital services, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi, during a sensitization campaign walk to commemorate this year’s Patient Safety Day, themed: “Medication without harm”, weekend in Abuja, said the walk was to sensitize Nigerians on the dangers of self-medication.

“We are sensitizing the populace that it is not enough for you to have a headache and you go and grab a paracetamol from the pharmacy.

Yes, it is an over-the-counter medication but you still need to have the underlying knowledge of what is giving you that headache.

“It may be what they ever think of so it is good for you to be examined by a health care professional and diagnosis made so that the right medication can be given to you.

We are actually sensitizing the country so that even the healthcare providers will have to carry out best practices, not just the usual.”

According to the WHO, Medication errors occur due to weaknesses in the medication systems, such as the shortfall in certified health workforce, poor working and environmental conditions for delivery of quality health care.

Related Articles

REDAN decries surge in cement prices as FG invites Dangote, BUA, others to emergency meeting

NEPZA boss commends FG, NPA on SIIFZ multi-million-dollar port expansion agreement

The world health organization warned against common practices like the administration of surplus medication at home, the purchase of medication from pharmacies on the advice of friends and relatives rather than certified pharmacists and other professionals.

The use of old prescriptions sheets to purchase new drugs in the bid to treat a current unverified ailment due to the absence of test done.

Prof  Stephen Abah, a consultant to the Federal Ministry of Health disclosed that efforts are on the way to draft a policy on patient safety for Nigeria. 

He said globally patients’ safety always take the centre stage, particularly this year when the theme is focused on medication.

Prof  Stephen Abah expressed worry that people take medication carelessly in a country because people can afford to buy over the counter drugs without prescriptions.

He harped on the dire need to educate vulnerable Nigerians and patients alike on the dangers of consuming drugs without knowing their adverse effects.