By: Kemo Kanyi
The highly potent Kush has reportedly seen 25 individuals seek medical attention at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) from December of 2023 to February of 2024.
Dr. Abubacarr Jagne, Deputy Chief Medical Director of EFSTH said patients, who came to the hospital, were finding it tough to control their tongues and were experiencing issues with withdrawal. Dr. Jagne described the situation as dreadful.
“They have some withdrawal symptoms. They start having difficulties in controlling their tongue, and they keep wagging their tongue in their mouth,” he explained.
He pointed out that individuals visited the hospital because they were threatened with the risk of being choked.
“What they present to us is entirely different from the drugs themselves. Maybe, it’s some addictives they add to the drugs they consume. By that I mean, the strain of drugs that they used previously from day one to the time we received them. Somehow, their family members have to hold their tongues to prevent them from biting their tongues. People are holding their tongues and struggling. At some point, we have to suture their tongues on their lips to make sure the tongue doesn’t fall back. So, it’s a very dreadful situation,” stated Dr. Jagne.
He said most of those, who visited the hospital were between the ages of 14 and 17.
“Seeing children coming to the hospital in those kinds of situations is strange and scary,” he lamented.
The deputy CMD advised that steps be taken to immediately curb the situation.
“Action needs to be taken, and we all have to be very vigilant. Not only identifying those who are using the drug but also those who have the symptoms. We have to get them to health facilities quickly so that the solution can be found for the problem they face,” DrJagne advised.
He also advised family members to assume responsibility for preventing the ramifications of Kush in their homes.