Public warned over rising trend of random drug use
BUKOBA: BUKOBA Regional Referral Hospital (BRRH) pharmacist, Judith Chunga has warned the public against the growing and concerning trend of self-medicating without consulting medical professionals.
She noted that many individuals are purchasing medicines from pharmacies or drug shops and using them without proper guidance, a dangerous practice that poses serious risks to their health.
She made the remarks recently during commemoration of the World Pharmacists Day held in Bukoba Municipality.
Though the pharmacist reminded the public on the problem, the government through its Ministry of Health (MoH) has all along been warning individuals against the random use of medicines due to its negative consequences to an individual.
“In most cases, random use of medicine occurs under the practice of self-medication. Self-medication is the practice of an individual using available medications or substances to treat self-diagnosed symptoms or conditions,” she said.
She added: “The causes of self-medication are numerous. One of the most crucial reasons why self-medication is dangerous is because people often begin misusing it, leading to substance dependency. So, while the intention wasn’t abusing the medication, the result is physical and psychological dependence that often occurs unknowingly.”
She said some individuals resort to self-medication to avoid incurring diagnosis cost and paying for medical consultation fee in hospitals, without taking into consideration the negative consequences of the malpractice.
The traditional definition of self-medication is the taking of drugs, herbs or home remedies on one’s own initiative, or on the advice of another person, without consulting a doctor.
In general, the practice of self-medication applies to any ailment or condition that a person may treat without the help of a healthcare professional. This includes minor injuries or illnesses such as common cold.
According to medical experts, taking drugs in a way that has not been recommended by a doctor can be more dangerous than people think.
According to the experts, potential risks of self-medicating serious health conditions include incorrect self-diagnosis, increased risk of drug or supplement interactions, incorrect choice of therapy and risk of dependence and abuse.
They further say selfmedication can lead to drug addiction, allergy, habituation, worsening of ailment, or even disability and pre-mature death.
