An unauthorized herbal dietary supplement called JIGSIMUR has killed a man, and left another who also consumed it hospitalized in Bamenda, the North West Regional Delegation of Public Health has said.
Dr Kingsley Che Soh raised the alarm in a complaint directed to the Minister of Public Health, detailing the unfortunate incidents tied to the consumption of the African herbal medicine.
He revealed that the victims experienced a loss of consciousness coupled with severe acute kidney injury after ingesting the unapproved supplement earlier this month.
Manufactured by Jigsimur S Limited, the herbal drink promises to heal stubborn diseases such as Cancer, Fibroid, Kidney failure, and cataracts, among others.
However, Dr. Soh emphasized that the product is not among the Modified Traditional Medicines authorized for marketing in Cameroon.
The first reported case involved a 64-year-old man with pre-existing conditions of diabetes and hypertension. He presented with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, convulsions, coma, and anuria.
“He later developed status epilepticus and died 09 days after admission,” Dr Che Soh wrote.
Investigations revealed that he had been regularly consuming JIGSIMUR before his demise.
The second victim, a 75-year-old individual currently undergoing treatment, experienced sudden weakness in the lower limbs and was subsequently admitted to the hospital.
“During his stay in the hospital, he developed a progressive reduction of
urine output, confusion, agitation, and progressive deterioration of kidney function.
“This prompted his referral to Bamenda Regional Hospital where the diagnosis of severe acute kidney injury was made and the patient was initiated on haemodialysis. The patient was later on transferred to a tertiary hospital in Yaounde.” the delegate added.
Further inquiry by medical professionals revealed that this victim had also been consuming the questionable herbal supplement purchased from the Bamenda Main market for two days prior to the onset of symptoms.
The Northwest Regional Delegation of Public Health has initiated an investigation into these distressing incidents, and has highlighted the need for stringent measures against the consumption and distribution of unauthorized drugs.
Roadside Medication Cankerworm
Cases of fatalities resulting from the ingestion of unapproved medications, usually sold by the roadside or by unauthorized drug vendors, continue to raise concerns in Cameroon.
The sale of roadside drugs has persisted in Cameroon for decades, despite sporadic battles waged by the administration against it.
The impact of these roadside drugs on Cameroonians has not been desirable.
In April last year, an unauthorized cold syrup called NATURCOLD killed six children in Bamenda, and affected other children in the South West Region.
In July, the World Health Organization issued warnings about the syrup, stating that it contained dangerous ingredients.
However, the sale and consumption of roadside medicines continues to thrive in Cameroon.
These medicines are usually sold cheaper than those at regular pharmacies, driving poor consumers to the roadside medication.
However, the government has often been blamed for allowing the dangerous practice to continue thriving despite its grave consequences on the population.
