With TSA in health sector, efficiency sacrificed for less corruption — MDCAN President

<p>In this interview, President, Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and a psychiatrist, Dr Victor Makanjuola, speaks with Sade Oguntola on the implications of ‘laughing gas’ addiction, why Mmesoma Ejikeme needs therapy and how to revitalise the health sector, among other issues.</p>, <p>The NDLEA recently ordered a nationwide clampdown on illegal sale and use of ‘laughing gas’. What is it and what danger does it pose to health?</p>, <p>Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a colourless, non-flammable gas and has a slightly sweet scent and taste. Taking the gas slows down the brain and the body’s responses, causing a feeling of euphoria, relaxation and calmness, fits of giggles and laughter – hence the nickname ‘laughing gas’. Apparently, the gas gives what is generally described as a high and that is why it is being misused by the young people. Its abuse as an illegal drug by the young people is not something that has been there for long, maybe some pockets of people may have been using it before but it was not of much public health concern as it is now, based on the directive from the NDLEA. The important thing to note is not just the clampdown, because there will be several clampdowns subsequently, as new substances of addiction are coming up every day.</p>, <p>World Health Organisation (WHO), within a short period, recorded over 61 new substances of addiction, so it’s an ongoing process and there will be other new substances that the young people will find attractive and begin to use. It is the appropriate thing to try and mop up the supply of such drugs. While they’re doing that, it is also important that preparation is made for treatment for those that may have already been addicted to it.</p>, <p>So far, we have not been seeing cases of addiction due to laughing gas in any of our facilities. But that does not mean there are no people already addicted to it, but it is not a common problem in our facility for now.</p>, <p>But we wouldn’t know the exact presentation of