Nigerian Medical Association Raises Alarm Over Adulterated Beverages in Ondo

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ondo State has issued a grave warning regarding the increasing circulation of suspected fake and adulterated beverages, which they believe may be contributing to a surge in liver and kidney diseases among young individuals. The alarming revelation comes in light of previous deadly incidents in the state where at least 50 people lost their lives due to suspected consumption of adulterated drinks.

Dr. Roland Bola Arohunmolase, the NMA Chairman in Ondo State, expressed his concerns during a press briefing in Akure, highlighting that physicians are witnessing a worrying trend of liver cirrhosis and kidney ailments in younger patients, particularly those in age groups where such conditions are typically rare. “Traditionally, when you profile some diseases, there are certain age groups in which you do not commonly find them. When a disease no longer conforms to its traditional profile, it becomes a cause for concern,” he stated.

The association is currently conducting investigations to determine the extent of the health crisis, but Dr. Arohunmolase has emphasized the need for immediate action. He noted that cases of liver cirrhosis have been reported among teenagers and young adults aged between 22 and 30, which necessitates further medical scrutiny. “We are not yet able to provide a definitive number of cases linked to suspected adulterated drinks, but the changing age profile is certainly a red flag,” he added.

In light of these developments, the NMA has called upon the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other relevant authorities to ramp up their efforts in eliminating counterfeit alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the market. The health of the populace, particularly the youth, hangs in the balance as the association urges for stricter regulations and monitoring of beverage production and distribution in the state.