The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has vowed to tackle substandard and falsified medicines across Kaduna State and Nigeria in general.
Bala Mshelia, Director of the North West Zone of the Agency, disclosed this during a sensitization workshop with the theme “Addressing the menace of substandard and falsified medicines in Kaduna”.
He stated that NAFDAC is making efforts to curb the menace of such practices in the state.
According to him, unpatriotic businessmen and women involved in the illegal manufacture, importation, and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines target products with high volumes of use for the treatment of diseases of public health interest.
He noted that the classes of medicines targeted include antimalarials, antibiotics, antihypertensives, anti-diabetic agents, and lifestyle drugs, urging Nigerians to join in the fight to ensure all drugs are safe for use.
“As we proceed with this workshop, let us remember that the fight against substandard and falsified medicines is not one that can be won in isolation.
“It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public. Together, we can create a future where every medicine on the shelf is safe, genuine, and beneficial to the health of our communities.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kaduna, Mr. Sunday Ukoh, appreciated NAFDAC for the timely sensitization, adding that all stakeholders must be on board to do the needful.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Abosede Garba, emphasized that the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines is not just a challenge for healthcare professionals but a grave public health concern affecting millions.
She stated that counterfeit products jeopardize patients’ health, undermine the credibility of the healthcare system, and threaten the progress made in fighting diseases.
“As frontline healthcare providers, we pharmacists bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge and ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines reach our communities. Community pharmacists, as trusted healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to be the first line of defense against counterfeit medicines.
“Our proximity to the community and our daily interactions with patients give us the opportunity to play a pivotal role in identifying, reporting, and preventing the distribution of substandard products.”
She added that the workshop is a significant step toward empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to further strengthen their role in the fight.
She commended NAFDAC for its unwavering commitment to protecting public health by tackling the issue of substandard and falsified medicines.
She urged fellow pharmacists to be vigilant, proactive, and steadfast in their commitment to promoting the safe use of medicines.
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