Why self-medication is on the rise
Wednesday April 28 2021
A woman prepares to take medication. Under and over doses are common during self-medication. PHOTO/ABUBAKER LUBOWA
Summary
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In the past, self-medication was common among the rural population, who lived far away from health centres.
However, today any person who feels unwell walks into a pharmacy or drug shop to buy drugs, some of which require doctors’ prescription.
According to medical experts, self-medication results in under or overdose, especially among children and expectant mothers.
In 2010, the National Drug Authority (NDA) estimated that eight in every 10 people self-medicate or buy drugs over the counter. NDA attributes this to the increased number of pharmacies and drug shops, expensive treatment from clinics and long distances to health facilities.