Authorities in Cusco intensify measures against fentanyl and its youth consumption.

The growing concern regarding the sale and consumption of Fentanyl in Cusco has led health authorities to intensify preventive and control measures over the distribution of this powerful drug. With a potency up to 50 times greater than heroin and 100 times more than morphine, Fentanyl has become a serious risk to public health, especially among young people seeking alternatives in the recreational drug market.

Health authorities in Cusco have emphasized the importance of using a special, numbered, and controlled medical prescription for the prescription of this type of medication. This measure aims to reduce indiscriminate access and ensure that only those patients who truly need it can obtain Fentanyl legally and safely. Regulating its use is vital not only to avoid addiction but also to prevent fatal overdoses that have been reported in other regions of the country and the continent.

In this context, the technical director of the pharmaceutical establishment plays a crucial role in managing Fentanyl. This professional is responsible for the entire process, from acquisition and storage to custody and dispensing of narcotic and psychotropic substances. Their role is not limited to sales; it also includes maintaining rigorous control through official records that must always be up to date and available for inspection by the competent authorities.

The responsibility of the pharmacist extends to verifying prescriptions. They must ensure that all established requirements are met, and if there are doubts about the validity of the prescription, they are obliged to contact the issuing physician. This protocol aims to prevent prescriptions from being tampered with or forged, a problem that could facilitate the circulation of this drug in the black market.

Regulating Fentanyl also implies that the medical prescription must be issued in triplicate, including one original and two copies. This prescription has a maximum validity of only three days, further limiting its misuse. Additionally, records of the prescriptions filled must be sent along with quarterly balances to the Directorate of Medicines, ensuring additional control over the distribution and use of this substance.

Statistics on Fentanyl consumption in other parts of the world are alarming and serve as a clear warning for Cusco. In countries like the United States, the abuse of this drug has contributed to an overdose crisis that has claimed thousands of lives. However, the goal of local authorities is to prevent this situation from recurring in their region through proper and responsible management.

The community also plays an important role in the fight against Fentanyl addiction. Education about the dangers of this drug, as well as support for prevention and addiction treatment programs, are essential for addressing this phenomenon comprehensively. Informative talks in schools and communities, as well as collaboration with local organizations, can help raise awareness about the risks associated with recreational use of Fentanyl.

It is essential that all stakeholders—from health professionals to authorities and the community—work together to combat the Fentanyl phenomenon in Cusco. Prevention and control are tasks that require constant effort and collaboration, as the health of the population is at stake. The fight against this drug is not only the responsibility of the health sector but of society as a whole.

Thus, while authorities continue to implement control and prevention measures regarding the distribution of Fentanyl, it is clear that education and awareness are equally important to face this challenge. The future of Cusco depends on the ability of its inhabitants to recognize and combat the danger that this drug represents, thereby ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all.