The Akwa Ibom Government has inaugurated Task-force Committees on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods and for Monitoring of Private Health Facilities and Anti-Quackery.
The task-force committees are expected to sanitise the pharmaceutical and medical ecosystem in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John during the inauguration at the Emergency Operations Center, Uyo, on Tuesday charged the committee members to work diligently to tackle the growing menace of quack medical practitioners.
He urged them to tackle the circulation of counterfeit, expired drugs and unwholesome processed foods across the state.
He said that effective enforcement of standard practices would strengthen the healthcare system and ultimately save lives in the state.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to the state Governor, Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to transforming the health sector.
He described the inauguration as a pivotal step toward restoring a dynamic health structure that would promote the overall well-being of Akwa Ibom people.
John urged the task-force members to collaborate and discharge their responsibilities with dedication and integrity.
He said that their roles were critical in safeguarding the public from substandard products and unqualified practitioners.
The task-force committees comprise representatives of professional bodies such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Others are security agencies: the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), members of Civil Society Organisations, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and legal practitioners.
The commissioner said that the Task-force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods is chaired by Pharm. Akpabio Akwaowo.
Other members include Dr Chris Enoch, Pharm. Azeeh Maude, Pharm. Etim Ubam, Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt, Pharm. Naeche John and Mr Uba Jankaro,
The Task-force on Monitoring of Private Health Facilities and Anti-Quackery has Dr Celestine Akpan as the Chairman.
Members include Dr Mfon Etukudo, Dr Uduak Idio, Patricia Etim, Dr Silas Isonguyo, Dr Etukakpan Etukakpan, and Mr Harry Akpan.
Speaking on behalf of both task-force committees, Pharm. Akpabio Akwaowo expressed appreciation to the commissioner for entrusting them with the responsibility.
He pledged that the committees would execute their mandates with commitment and hard work to achieve positive results.
NAN
