By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
Residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, are raising alarm over the growing scarcity of Andrew’s Liver Salt, a popular household remedy widely used for quick relief from indigestion, heartburn, and constipation.
Medical experts describe Andrew’s Liver Salt as an essential over-the-counter solution for digestive discomfort, noting that its affordability and accessibility have made it a first-line remedy in many homes across Nigeria.
They add that it is an effervescent powder that works as an antacid and mild laxative, pointing out that relieves indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux, eases constipation by promoting bowel movement and provides quick relief from stomach discomfort and bloating.
Medical doctors, however, caution that taking Andrew’s liver salt should not be a daily routine or excessively use, urging people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart problems to consult them before use, citing its sodium content.
However, in Lokoja, the product has become scarce in recent months, forcing residents to either pay exorbitant prices or seek alternative medical care.
Mrs. Alima Aliyu, a resident of Gadumo, recounted her ordeal while searching for the product to treat her son’s severe heartburn.
“I went round 15 pharmacies in Lokoja without success. It was at the 16th outlet that I finally found it, but instead of the usual ₦200 per sachet, I had to pay ₦700. It was a very frustrating experience,” she said.
Another resident, Alhaji Raji Abdulsalami, shared a similar experience. According to him, his daughter’s constipation worsened because he could not find Andrew’s Liver Salt in the market.
“Every pharmacist I spoke with claimed ignorance of the cause of the scarcity. In the end, I had to rush my daughter to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja for treatment,” he lamented.
The development has sparked concerns over public health, as many households in Lokoja depend on the product for emergency relief. Abdulsalami urged the federal government and relevant health authorities to investigate the cause of the scarcity and ensure the product is made readily available again.
“The scarcity of Andrew’s Liver Salt may not mean much to some people until they urgently need it. But for many families in Lokoja, it has already become a serious challenge. The government must act quickly before the situation worsens,” he warned.
