Drugs sold on streets dangerous

A PHARMACIST at the Gerehu Hospital in Port Moresby has urged the public not to buy medicines on the street for consumption.
Metha Agobe said this during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) which was conducted on Friday.
Agobe said venders selling medicine, especially amoxicillin, on the street like any other items was wrong and illegal.
She said medicines were not supposed to be sold on the street but had to be prescribed by a medical professional.
Agobe said she had seen many vendors selling five amoxicillin tablets for K1 on the streets.
She said those selling had no training to advise buyers on how to use the medicine (how much to consume and for which illnesses or symptoms).
She said most people bought amoxicillin on the street to self-medicate.
Agobe said some people were seen putting the white powder from the capsules directly onto sores or infections.
She discouraged people from buying medicines on the street because of the risks of taking medication without a doctor’s advice.
She said health workers were not supposed to prescribe medicines for family and friends at home.
Agobe said those who were sick needed to go to a health facility to receive proper treatment and medical advice.
National Capital District health authority acting manager medical supplies Benson Kewa encouraged those who were sick to complete doses if they were given medication and that prescribed medication should not be shared.
Kewa urged the public to dispose of medicines properly and not to leave them in places where children or animals could access them.
The world antimicrobial awareness week aims to educate of the global antimicrobial resistance.