The Rising Trend of Self-Medication: A Silent Public Health Crisis
By Millicent Awusanya Kumah ( Student, UniMAC- IJ)
In an era where quick fixes and instant relief are highly sought after, “self-medication” has become a widespread yet dangerous practice. From popping painkillers for chronic headaches to using alcohol as a sleep aid, millions worldwide are bypassing professional healthcare in favour of self-treatment—often with serious consequences.
For many people, they prefer self medication because of high healthcare costs and lack of insurance make professional treatment unaffordable.
Also, Long waiting times, for doctors’ appointments push people toward quick, over-the-counter solutions.
Dr. Kumi, a medical health practitioner, warns, “Self-medication might offer temporary relief, but it often masks underlying health issues, leading to worse complications later”.
Mr. Ngan Mukunda Abraham, a pharmacy technician at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) hospital says, while some self-medication involves harmless home remedies, many cases involve risky behaviours.
These behaviours include, misdiagnosis, that is treating the wrong condition due to lack of proper medical evaluation.
Also, there is adverse reactions which indicates harmful side effects or interactions with other medications.
Lastly, there is delay in treatment. Self-medication might delay seeking professional help, worsening underlying health issues.
These risks emphasize the importance of seeking professional medical advice before taking any medication.
Elinam Gagbah, a student, says she does self-medication because it reliefs her of pain quickly rather than going to the hospital to join long queues for hours.
As a public health advocate, I’m urging for stronger measures to curb the dangers of self-medication. In my opinion, we need:
Better access to affordable healthcare: Everyone deserves quality medical care without breaking the bank. By making healthcare more accessible, we can reduce the reliance on self-treatment and ensure people get the professional help they need.
Also, stricter regulations on over-the-counter drug sales. Certain medications, like antibiotics and sedatives, should be tightly controlled to prevent misuse. This can help prevent antibiotic resistance and reduce the risk of addiction.
Lastly, public awareness campaigns. It’s time to educate people about the risks of unsupervised medication. By spreading awareness, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and seek medical attention when needed.
Together, we can create a safer and more informed community. Let’s work towards a future where everyone has access to quality healthcare and the knowledge to make healthy choices.
“People need to understand that a quick fix today could lead to a bigger health crisis tomorrow,” Mr. Ngan Abraham added.
As self-medication continues to rise, the question remains: Will society address this silent epidemic before it spirals out of control?
# Stay Informed
#Stay Safe.
#Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication.