he minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, on Wednesday led a team of stakeholders to destroy a consignment of fake and unwholesome drugs seized by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Customs and other relevant Law Enforcement Agencies.
Speaking during the exercise, the minister said, the fact that the fake drugs are routine drugs in constant demand by Nigerians shows that there is a huge gap in in drug supply chain.
He also called on the health workers to work closely with the Pharmaceutical group to fill the gap by making sure there are quality drugs manufactured locally.He said, “If quality drugs are produced and at affordable price, there will be no market for imported sub-standard drugs.”
He described the activities of fake drug importers and manufacturers as part of corruption and this administration would not relent in its fight against such practices until the battle is won and the culprits are prosecuted.
In his remarks, the Chairman House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon Chike Okafor, said the action was historic given the worth of the seizure, adding that the House of Representatives endorsed the destruction and would continue to support NAFDAC to rid Nigeria of fake medical products.
In her welcome address, the Ag. Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, urged Nigerians to join the fight against fake drugs by providing Information to NAFDAC and such would be treated with maximum confidentiality.
She also called on all importers and manufacturers of medical products to ensure their products meet the required standards and safe for human consumption.
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