Why Puntland MPs decry increased sale of Viagra
Local health officials appearing before a parliamentary committee were put to task early this week to explain how they would tame increased demand for stamina- boosting drugs that expose the public to health hazards.
This the first time such a discussion long held as a taboo in the northeastern state of Somalia was being talked about openly.
“The medicine (viagra) results in a lot of dangers, including the deaths of some users,” MP Abdigani Dhashane was quoted by The Eastafrican.
“There is no embarrassment [to discuss this issue]. This is a serious health matter,” he added amidst murmurs from fellow legislators.
Some members of the Puntland legislative assembly called for a ban on the drug primarily used on prescription to treat impotence in men.
The legislators argue that uncontrolled usage of medicines poses more negative side effects than curative advantages.
Health Minister promised more inspections of the sex enhancement drugs and other health products.
“If the concerns are ascertained, we shall take appropriate actions,” the minister of health.
If administered under a doctor’s watch, viagra, also known as sildenafil, can help treat impotence and erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, such as men’s sexual organs.
But it could also have side effects, especially in patients with heart or kidney ailments.
Story by East African