Yobe women using neonatal drug as eye drop — NMA

SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 : GBENGA ADENIJI
Leave a Comment
The Nigerian Medical Association National Committee on Eye
Care said on Saturday that some women in Yobe State were
administering a drug meant for neonatal umbilical cord as eye
drop to their children.
It noted that the drug, a chlorhexidine drop (7.1%) was
wrongfully being distributed in some primary health centres in
the state.
The Chairman, NMA National Committee on Eye Care, Dr.
Adetunji Adenekan, in a telephone interview with our
correspondent, said, ‘‘The packaging was made in form of small
bottles that resemble eyedrop form and our naive and less
educated mothers in Yobe are unknowingly administering the
drugs to the eyes of their children.’’
He noted that exposure of the eye to chlorhexidine cleanser
usually results in eye pain, swelling of the cornea and
inflammation of the conjunctiva among others eye problems.
‘‘Three cases have been reported, two from Ngelzarma and one
from Machina, all in Yobe State. Chlorhexidine four per cent
solution should not have contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
If contact occurs, the affected area should be washed with cold
water and a doctor should be contacted,’’ he added.
The NMA also urged the Yobe State Government and the state
chapter of the NMA to intensify efforts in retrieving the
distributed cleansing solution.
Adenekan added, ‘‘We urge the NMA Yobe chapter to
strategically partner with all relevant agencies and organisations
to properly educate the women there.’’
Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital
content on this website, may not be reproduced, published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior
express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com