Matungulu Sub-County parents have been warned against purchasing over-the-counter drugs for their children due to possible negative effects.
Parents have been advised to ensure they acquire prescriptions from licensed doctors since severe and even fatal consequences can result from such practices.
Speaking in his office, Matungulu Sub-County Public Health officer, James Kilango noted that mothers have been giving their children antibiotics bought from local pharmacies without consulting doctors.
The Public Health officer said that such actions put the children at risk of developing resistance to the drugs and make them susceptible to several infections, including diseases in the digestive system.
“Every parent should take the responsibility of consulting a pediatrician to have his child checked. Any case of purchasing drugs from the local shops is risking the life of your child,” he cautioned.
Kilango he asked women to stop prescribing antibiotics and other to themselves noting that such behaviour puts their lives at risk.