Dar es Salaam, March 5 -- IT is no longer a secret that in recent times, our neighbourhoods have seen a surprising influx of pharmacies sprouting up like mushrooms after rain.

And while some might say it is the governments new initiative to keep everyone healthy, the truth is a little more concerning-these pharmacies are operating in residential areas like uninvited guests at a dinner party.

If left unchecked, they may soon be dishing out more than just over-the-counter meds—they could be feeding the burgeoning drug abuse crisis.

The problem is not just that there are too many pharmacies around; it is how they are operating and who is working behind the counters.

Often, these pharmacies are manned by young school dropouts, often...