The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Branch, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the regulation and distribution of medicines across the country.
Mrs Munirat Bello, the newly elected Chairman of the PSN in the state, made the call on Sunday during an interview with reporters in Ilorin.
She outlined the priorities and challenges facing pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria, reiterating calls to protect Nigerians from drug abuse and substandard medicines.
Bello, who is the first female pharmacist to lead the PSN in Kwara, described the country’s drug distribution system as a major concern requiring urgent attention.
She said existing national guidelines on drug distribution needed to be effectively implemented to ensure that medicines reached Nigerians through regulated channels.
“We have a very serious and chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria. In fact, I will call it a national emergency.”
According to her, the availability of medicines through unlicensed outlets exposes Nigerians to risks associated with inappropriate medication, drug abuse and unsafe treatment.
She said her administration would collaborate with relevant government agencies to promote effective regulation of the pharmaceutical sector.
The PSN chairman also called for stronger collaboration between professional and enforcement agencies in tackling drug abuse.
She advocated closer cooperation between the PSN and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), saying a joint approach could help address both the supply and misuse of drugs.
“We are looking to strengthen our collaboration to provide access to the recovery team. We need to tackle it from the root, and that is where the drug distribution guidelines come in.”
Bello also urged Nigerians to obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies rather than open markets and unlicensed drug sellers.
She said pharmacists had an important role in ensuring that medicines were used appropriately and safely, adding that public education would form part of her administration’s activities.
Bello said the PSN would increase its media engagements to educate Nigerians on medication safety, rational drug use and the dangers of drug abuse.
The pharmacist further called for improved collaboration between pharmacists and medical doctors, saying unnecessary professional rivalry should not be allowed to affect patient care.
“The objective of everyone in the healthcare sector is the patient.”
According to her, doctors should focus on diagnosis, while pharmacists play their professional role by reviewing prescriptions, dispensing medicines and counselling patients on their appropriate use.
Bello also linked the fight against drug abuse to broader social and economic challenges.
“The government, families, schools, religious institutions and other stakeholders all have roles to play in addressing the problem.”
The pharmacist said sustained public awareness, effective regulation and stronger enforcement were necessary to reduce the misuse of medicines and other drugs.
The PSN chairman said she would prioritise the professional well-being of members across hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical industries, academia and medicine distribution.
She said creating an enabling environment for pharmacists would ultimately contribute to better healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
“Every pharmacist should be well supported in terms of their welfare so that they can excel in delivering their best at their place of work.
“By extension, that will translate to better healthcare for the people,” she said.
