The Health Ministry has banned the manufacture, distribution and sale of cough syrups containing codeine and has restricted access to Tramadol in the country.

The Food and Drugs Authority in a public notice said “their registration and market authorizations are hereby revoked and NO PERSON shall manufacture, import or offer them for sale.”

It further adds 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.