a.List three government agencies that are constitutionally empowered to arrest persons who commit drug-related offences in Nigeria
b. In what six ways can non-adherence to medical advice of certified medical professionals constitute a threat to the survival of the sick and the society?
Explanation
a. In Nigeria, the following government agencies are constitutionally empowered to arrest persons who commit drug-related offences:
1. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA): The NDLEA is the primary agency responsible for combating drug trafficking and abuse. It has the authority to investigate, arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the production, distribution and consumption of illegal drugs.
2. Nigeria Police Force (NPF): The Nigeria Police Force has broad law enforcement powers, including the authority to arrest individuals for drug-related offences. The NPF works in collaboration with other agencies like the NDLEA to tackle drug crimes.
3. Nigerian Customs Service (NCS): The Nigerian Customs Service is responsible for regulating and monitoring the importation and exportation of goods. It has the authority to intercept and arrest individuals involved in the smuggling of illegal drugs into or out of Nigeria.
b. Non-adherence to medical advice from certified medical professionals can pose significant threats to both the survival of the sick and the broader society in the following ways:
i. Worsening of Health Conditions: When patients do not follow prescribed treatments, their conditions can deteriorate and this can lead to more severe health issues, complications and even death. It can also affect society in the sense that increased illness severity can result in higher healthcare costs and a greater burden on medical facilities and resources.
ii. Development of Drug Resistance: Incomplete or incorrect use of antibiotics and other medications can lead to drug-resistant infections which can make future treatments less effective for patients. Also, the spread of drug-resistant bacteria can result in outbreaks that are harder and more expensive to control and this can pose a significant public health threat.
iii. Transmission of Infectious Diseases: Failing to adhere to isolation guidelines or treatment plans for infectious diseases can prolong the illness and its symptoms. It also increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases to others which eventually leads to outbreaks or epidemics.
iv. Reduced Efficacy of Public Health Programs: individuals who do not participate in vaccination programs or other preventive measures remain vulnerable to preventable diseases and this can also undermine the effectiveness of public health initiatives and allow diseases to spread more easily.
v. Economic Consequences: Poor health can lead to loss of productivity, inability to work and increased medical expenses. A population with poor health due to non-adherence can strain social welfare systems, reduce economic productivity and increase healthcare costs.
vi. Erosion of Trust in Medical Professionals: Ignoring medical advice can lead to worse health outcomes, which might foster distrust in healthcare providers and reluctance to seek future care. Widespread non-adherence can undermine public confidence in medical recommendations and health policies and make it more challenging to manage public health effectively.