Mombasa County Assembly passes motion to combat drug abuse

Mombasa, Kenya - Mombasa county assembly has unanimously passed a motion to prevent abuse of “mental” medicines and other drugs.

The motion seeks to stem misuse of prescription medicine by outlawing sale across the counter, without doctors’ prescription.

Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) noted that the county has been flooded with psychotropic drugs taken by the local population without doctors’ prescription leading to abuse.

Nominated member Mohamed Hatimy who moved the motion said many youths were becoming addicted to such drugs sold over the counter as they sought to deal with stress or simply for relaxation.

“Our youth face destruction following flooding of psychotropic drugs that are sold without doctors’ prescription. The county government should carry out an audit of all pharmaceutical retail outlets to ensure psychotropic and other medical drugs are sold strictly on prescription,” Mr Hatimy said.

SEX DRUGS

Shanzu MCA Maimuna Mwawasi supported the motion, saying young people were also rushing to buy sex enhancement drugs from chemists.

“Our youths are also becoming reliant on viagra and there is danger of destroying their reproductive health,” Ms Mwawasi said.

Kadzandani MCA Mohamed Ndanda said a whole generation of youth could develop mental complications for using psychotropic drugs that are available in many pharmaceutical outlets in the county.

Mjambere MCA Khamis Mwabashiri said his ward was one of the most affected areas as such drugs were rampant in the area.

A psychotropic is any chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood or consciousness.