The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has called for collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in activating a federal and state task force to cleanse the drug distribution channels in the country.
The president of the society, Cyril Usifoh, proposed this during a courtesy visit to the Acting Director-General of NAFDAC, Monica Eimunjeze, on Friday.
According to him, the unwieldy nature of the drug distribution channel appears to be escalating by the day.
He said, “The Fake Drug Act was first enacted as decree 21 of 1988. Almost 35 years after it is a messier state of affairs in our drug distribution channels. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria was part of proceedings at NASS a few weeks ago when attempts were made to amend the existing Fake Drug Act. We are convinced that the militating bane has always been a deliberate resolve of the PCN and NAFDAC not to work together to break this logjam.
“In this dispensation, I believe we have a unique opportunity because both the Acting DG NAFDAC and the Registrar/CEO of PCN share our burdens directly. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria vouches to facilitate a table to cement new ideas and fresh strategies to get us out of the bottomless pit in this regard with a firm commitment from you on this auspicious occasion of our visit.”
He also called for redress in the challenges associated with the disposal of expired drugs.
He said, “In the last few months, there has been a silent but raging war on the disposal of expired drugs and unwholesome food substances because of directives that those in possession of such should pay fees to NAFDAC for disposal of such. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria views this development as one that will catalyze the recycling of expired drugs for use in the health system if not well managed now.
“The stakeholder who has expired consignment loses money and it is unthinkable to expect such a person to submit to a system where he loses more due to payment of tariffs to the government. It is in this light we call on the management of NAFDAC to have a rethink on this subject matter moving forward.”
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