Professor of Cardiology, Nicholas Ossei-Gerning, has suggested to the government to mandate the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) to regulate the importation of painkiller Tramadol into Ghana.

Sold under the brand name Ultram among others, Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.

The abuse of the drug has been on the rise and the prescription medication is now available over the counter and easily accessible in some shops and pharmacies.


The Medical Director of Euracare Advanced Diagnostics and Heart Centre is of the view that NACOB, when given the authority, could complement efforts of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to control the influx of Tramadol.

In an interview with Class News' Jerry Akornor after the official launch of Euracare Advanced Diagnostics and Heart Centre in Accra, the Cardiologist said the rising spate of Tramadol abuse in Ghana requires multiple regulatory authorities to control the level of imports.

Meanwhile, Wife of Asantehene, Her Royal Highness Lady Julia Osei Tutu, has tasked private hospitals in Ghana to extend their corporate social responsibility to underprivileged patients.

According her, although health facilities need funds to survive, poor patients must not be left to their fate.

Source: ClassFMonline.com