The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the government to act swiftly against the proliferation of fake and substandard drugs.
The State Chairman, Mr. Tolulope Ajayi, told reporters on Friday that drug distribution in Lagos and across the country remains deeply concerning.
Ajayi lamented that the Federal Task Force on counterfeit and substandard drugs has not been inaugurated in Lagos, despite being operational in other states.
“The task force is critical and will complement the efforts of regulatory bodies in ensuring that medicines in our communities are safe.
“The integrity of the state’s drug distribution system affects healthcare outcomes, which is why the government must prioritise the distribution chain,” Ajayi said.
He also called for the establishment of a Drug Management Agency to be managed by pharmacists.
“The agency would ensure professional management of the medicine supply chain across the country,” he said.
Ajayi appealed to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to fast-track the construction of a coordinated wholesale centre in Lagos.
“This will curb chaotic open drug markets where medicines are exposed to weather elements and handled unethically,” he said.
He urged an end to preferential treatment of certain professionals, stressing that healthcare delivery should be patient-centred.
“The focus should be on patient care, supported by adequate manpower and accessible healthcare facilities at all levels.
“Our priority must be patient care and sufficient manpower in hospitals to achieve universal health coverage and improve national health indices,” he said.
Ajayi assured that the association would continue supporting regulators and policymakers to sanitize the nation’s drug distribution system.
