Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has described as alarming the high levels of drugs pilferage in both private and public health institutions.
ZAMRA public relations officer Ludovic Mwape tells QTV News that there has been an increase in the pilferage of drugs which are ending up in wrong hands on the streets.
Mr. Mwape says it is unfortunate that unregulated drugs such as Codeine and Beryline are being abused by members of the public especially bus drivers with a view of getting intoxicated.
He says members of the public should not assume that such drugs are ‘alcoholic beverages’ as they only contain diminutive quantities of alcohol for preservative purposes and not for intoxication.
He explains that what gets those taking these drugs intoxicated are the combined elements of the drugs and not the actual alcohol.
Mr. Mwape has since revealed that the authority will tighten the distribution methods of drugs in both public and private institutions to reduce the high levels of drugs pilferage.