The Ministry of Health has banned the manufacture, distribution and sale of cough syrups containing Codeine.

Additionally, a restriction has been placed on the access to Tramadol in the country.

A public notice issued by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on Thursday, November 22, said:

“Their registration and market authorizations are hereby revoked and NO PERSON shall manufacture, import or offer them for sale.”

The notice further stated that all approved dosage forms and strengths of the Codeine drugs registered by the Authority will be re-classified as “Controlled Drugs and Prescription-Only Medicines” and will only be dispensed upon proof of valid prescription.