Rising Suicide Rates Prompt Regulation of Paracetamol Sales in the UK
UK Government to Regulate Supply of Paracetamol Tablets to Curb Rising Suicide Rates.
The UK government has decided to ban the supply of paracetamol tablets in Britain. This ban comes as a response to the increasing number of suicides associated with the widespread sale of these pills.
The government has found that suicide prevention measures have not been effective since 2018, with a rising number of suicide cases, especially among school and college students. As per the regulations on the sale of tablets, individuals are allowed to purchase only two packets of paracetamol or similar medicines, each containing 16 tablets, from a medical store. This amounts to a total of 32 tablets per purchase.
Additionally, the government has instructed the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to further regulate the sale of paracetamol.
The government had promised to significantly reduce the number of suicides in the country within three years. According to a study published by Cambridge University Press in 2018, most individuals who attempt suicide are found to have consumed medicines like paracetamol.
Key Points:
- The UK government is taking action to reduce suicides.
- A ban was imposed on paracetamol tablets to address the issue.
- Regulations allow the purchase of only two packets, totaling 32 tablets, per individual.
- Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) instructed to enhance regulation of paracetamol sales.
