Drug abuse at big matches
by Ananda Kannangara
The Health Ministry has focused attention on the use of Corex-D syrup
and Tramadol tablets by certain schoolboys during the current big match
season. The Health Ministry has warned parents of young schoolboys who
go to cricket grounds to be vigilant over the behaviour of their
children as they too could use such drugs.
These drugs could cause kidney, liver and brain damage and many other
health complications.
Senior Health Ministry spokesman W.M.D. Wanninayake told the Sunday
Observer that this follows a directive by Health Minister Maithripala
Sirisena after information was received that some schoolboys are in the
habit of taking Corex-D syrup and Tramadol tablets to seek undue
pleasure during the big match season.
He said Corex-D is a cough syrup and Tramadol is a pain killer used
as substitutes for alcohol and narcotics.
The drugs have narcotic effects and are addictive when taken in
excess doses. The drugs are sold only on prescription.
A spokesman for the Ministry said there are over 3,000 pharmacies in
the country and raids are being carried out to check whether these drugs
are sold without a prescription from a registered practitioner. Legal
action will be taken against the offenders.
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