In a determined effort to curb the rampant drug peddling and the circulation of counterfeit medicines in Pujehun District, Chairman Foday Kandeh Rogers of the Pujehun District Council recently held a town hall meeting in Jendema town, Bo Water Side Sorogbema chiefdom engaging business people to cease selling contraband drugs and providing unauthorized treatment in rural communities.

During the meeting, Chairman Rogers revealed that drug peddlers had spread throughout the district, administering fake treatments without individuals seeking medical attention from qualified hospitals or Primary Health Units (PHUs). He expressed concern that many residents preferred seeking treatment from these peddlers, leading to potentially detrimental consequences.

However, he assured attendees that the council had formed a strong alliance with the district pharmacist, aiming to wage an effective war against drug peddlers within the district.

The Proactive Chairman pledged to approach the roving magistrate to ensure that cases of drug peddling were given immediate attention. He emphasized the urgent need to address this issue as it posed a significant threat to the well-being of the district’s residents. The chairman expressed his concern that such practices were contributing to an alarming number of deaths, which could tarnish the district’s reputation.

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Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Foday Kandeh Rogers urged the business community to collaborate closely with the council and the district pharmacist in eradicating drug peddling.

He stressed the importance of their active participation in reporting any suspicious activities or individuals involved in the distribution of counterfeit drugs or unauthorized treatments.

Furthermore, the chairman emphasized the significance of raising awareness among the general population about the dangers of illicit drugs and counterfeit medicines.
He therefore urged the district pharmacist to be implementing educational programs, public campaigns, and community outreach initiatives to ensure that residents were well-informed about the risks associated with these substances and the importance of seeking proper medical care urging border security officers to remain vigilant and proactive in carrying out their duties effectively.

On his part the District Pharmacist, Pharm Algasemu, has voiced strong disapproval and issued a stern warning against the illegal operations of drug peddlers within the district. He urged these individuals to immediately cease their activities involving the sale and administration of medications and treatments to individuals in their respective chiefdoms.

Expressing deep concern over the actions of drug peddlers,
Pharm Algasemu underscored the fact that these drug peddlers lack the necessary understanding of crucial factors such as proper dosages, potential drug interactions, and other essential elements required for safe and effective healthcare delivery.
He stressed the importance of seeking healthcare services from authorized healthcare providers, including licensed pharmacists, doctors, and nurses who possess the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and expertise to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medications.

He encouraged the residents of the district to be vigilant and cautious when obtaining drugs, emphasizing the significance of verifying the legitimacy and credibility of the sources from which they acquire their medications.

He promised that with support from the district health management team they will start embarking on massive public education campaign on the dangers of drugs peddling and its related offences.

Civil society activist Abdulai J. Sillah expressed gratitude for the chairman’s and the district pharmacist’s efforts to save lives, Sillah revealed that an alarming number of deaths in the district were attributed to people receiving incorrect treatments from drug peddlers.
He noted that the community often accepted such treatments in good faith, bypassing the proper medical procedures, which he found both frustrating and concerning.
Sillah further highlighted the persistent use of native herbs in rural communities, which has become a serious concern for the district.

He advised individuals to seek medical care from hospitals or peripheral health units when they were unwell, emphasizing the importance of following the correct procedures to ensure their well-being.
The chairman’s address, coupled with the commitment of the district pharmacist and the support of civil society activists, reflects a collective determination to combat illegal pharmaceutical activities, protect public health, and promote the well-being of the community in Jendema Town and the wider Sorogbema Chiefdom.