Busia health officials have raised concerns over what is termed as misuse of Probeta N medicine in treatment of eye infections.
The County Director of Medical Services Dr. Janerose Ambuchi noted that the drug is known in the pharmaceutical world.
“It is like a magic drug that some people are abusing not knowing that it can subject one to blindness,” she said.
Ambuchi urged the local residents to stop treating themselves with over the counter medicine advising that they should seek medical attention from qualified healthcare personnel.
“Some of the cases of blindness being experienced in the County are caused by misuse of chemicals they put in their eyes,” she said.
The official urged those selling drugs in chemists to adhere to the regulations by selling to those who have prescriptions from qualified health practitioners.
Ambuchi further explained that the County Government in collaboration with Fred Hollows Foundation have endeavored to ensure that local residents get eye services across the County through the established eye satellite clinics.
“We have fully functional eye clinics across the County, let people take advantage of these facilities and get treatment from qualified health workers,” she said.
The County Deputy Director for Universal Health Coverage Isaiah Omondi challenged school head teachers and principals to liaise with the health and sanitation department when recruiting school nurses.
This medication is used to prevent and improve infection of the skin, eye and ear caused by staphylococci and is recommended for use as directed by your doctor.
The officials spoke during a stakeholders meeting to improve eye care services in the County.
By Salome Alwanda
