Abia Govt, PSN launch action against fake drugs, quack medicine vendors 

Abia State government says it will collaborate with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, in eliminating fake and substandard medicines from the Abia market.

Deputy Governor of the State, Ikechukwu Emetu gave the assurance at the Government House, Umuahia, while receiving a proposal presented by Abia State branch of PSN, on pharmaceutical practices and drug distribution.

The Deputy Governor, who supported the PSN’s call for establishment of a coordinated wholesale centre in Abia State, noted that the initiative would curb the proliferation of fake and substandard medicines, and ensure that only licensed operators participate in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

He disclosed that the memorandum would be presented at the next Abia State Security Council meeting, stressing that the fight against counterfeit medicines requires robust collaboration among government, security agencies, regulatory institutions and professional bodies.

According to him, “The proposal is an eye-opener. Rather than chasing the problem endlessly, we must adopt a strategic approach that will effectively eliminate the menace of fake drugs and quack medicine vendors.”

“A coordinated wholesale centre will enable us to regulate drug distribution more effectively and identify genuine operators in the pharmaceutical sector,” he said.

Emetu, who expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidney failure, dialysis and other life-threatening complications associated with counterfeit and improperly dispensed medicines, attributed the trend largely to the activities of unqualified drug vendors.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Abia State branch, Chinedu Urukwem who highlighted critical issues affecting pharmaceutical practice in the State, called for the operationalisation of the Abia State drug management agency, support for a coordinated wholesale centre in the State, among other requests.