North West Region: Public health delegate warns against consumption of Jigsimur medicine.

Dr Kingsley Che Soh raised the alarm in a complaint directed to the Minister of Public Health, detailing the unfortunate incidents linked to the consumption of the African herbal medicine. 

In his complaint, Dr Soh disclosed that the victims, earlier this month, experienced a loss of consciousness, coupled with severe acute kidney injury after ingesting the unapproved herbal drink, which is believe to cure stubborn diseases such as cancer, fibroid, kidney failure, among others. 

Dr Soh equally emphasised that the product is not among the Modified Traditional Medicines authorised for marketing in Cameroon.

“The first reported case involved a 64-year-old man with pre-existing conditions of diabetes and hypertension. He presented with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, convulsions, coma, and anuria. He later developed status epilepticus and died 09 days after admission. Investigations revealed that he had been regularly consuming Jigsimur before his demise,” Dr Che Soh wrote.

The medic also disclosed that the second victim, a 75-year-old individual currently undergoing treatment, experienced sudden weakness in the lower limbs and was subsequently admitted to the hospital. 

“During his stay in the hospital, he developed a progressive reduction of urine output, confusion, agitation, and progressive deterioration of kidney function. This prompted his referral to the Bamenda Regional Hospital where the diagnosis of severe acute kidney injury was made and the patient was initiated on haemodialysis. The patient was later on transferred to a tertiary hospital in Yaounde,” the health delegate added.

He said further inquiry by medical professionals revealed that this victim had also been consuming the questionable herbal supplement he purchased from the Bamenda Main market for two days prior to the onset of symptoms.

The North West Regional Delegation of Public Health has therefore opened an investigation into these distressing incidents, and has highlighted the need for stringent measures against the consumption and distribution of unauthorised drugs.

Warns against roadside medication 

Meanwhile, Dr Soh Che went ahead to warn against the consumption of roadside medication in the region as cases of fatalities resulting from the consumption of unapproved medications, usually sold by the roadside by unauthorised drug vendors, continue to raise concerns.

The sale of roadside drugs has persisted despite efforts by health authorities to put an end to the practice in Cameroon. This could be attributed to the fact that consumers are usually attracted by cheaper prices of these medications.