“Some students escape our watch by producing fake prescriptions and with no way to verify the prescriptions, we avoid arguments by selling to them,” the manager conceded, quickly adding that he realised it was illegal but it was the government’s job to introduce better enforcement mechanisms.
He further alleged that the medicines were easily procured from pharmacies around Mayo Hospital, Gangaram, Services Hospital, and other smaller hospitals in Lahore as forged prescriptions could easily be obtained or the right palms could be greased. Dr Ashraf Nizam, President of the Punjab Medical Association, acknowledging the growing trend of drug usage to study or focus, said that what many students did not realise were the long-term harmful effects. “Using any drug without the consultation of a doctor should be a no-brainer. However, by the time students realise that they have messed up; they are already hooked.” Concurring with Dr Nizam’s assessment, Dr Javed Akram, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, told The Express Tribune that the use of prescription-only medicines meant to treat ADHD or anxiety had lasting effects on the nervous system.
“An excessive use can cause weight loss, irritation, and loss of appetite amongst other things. Just for a few hours of concentration, students risk permanent addiction,” Dr Akram said, “if they feel they cannot focus, perhaps they should consult a doctor first.” When asked for suggestions on curtailing their use, Dr Akram suggested that the government needed to rethink its awareness strategy against boosting drugs and mobilise the provincial health department to start severe crackdowns. The Express Tribune spoke with the provincial health department to inquire whether Dr Akram’s suggestion could be implemented and was told by the department’s spokesperson that they were aware of the problem and would seal any pharmacies found to be selling prescription-only boosting drugs to students.
Source: This news is originally published by tribune