Mankranso, (Ash), Jan.12, GNA - A public health nurse has cautioned the public against the use of all types of ointments purported to be medicinal, which had not been certified.

Mrs. Mary Amponsah, the Ahafo Ano North district public health nurse, who gave the caution pointed out that the indiscriminate use of these ointments constituted drug abuse.

She was addressing the staff of the district directorate of health, community based surveillance group and traditional birth attendance drawn from the Wioso, Mpasaso, Sabronum, Pokukrom, Biemso and Mankranso sub- districts at an end of year party organised for them at Mankranso recently.

The get-together was in appreciation of their hard work during the year. The occasion was also used to honour the community based surveillance group and traditional birth attendants.

Mrs Amponsah said drug and ointments, which were not certified by the appropriate authority posed danger to the users since they contain chemicals that could be injurious to the body.

Dr Edward Tagoe, the district director of health services, commended the staff and volunteers for their hard work, co-operation and commitment to duty and urged them to continue with the good work. The best ten community surveillance group and traditional birth attendants from each of the sub-districts received a pair of Wellington boots each and another ten got raincoats.