By Dipo Olowookere
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 NAFDAC, Customs, NDLEA and other relevant law enforcement agencies.
Prof Adewole, who described the drugs as routine drugs in constant demand by Nigerian, noted that this implies a gap in drug supply to the people in need of it and therefore 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.
“If quality drugs are produced and at affordable price, there will be no market for imported sub-standard drugs,” he said.
He described the activities of fake drug importers and manufacturers as corruption and this administration would not relent in its fight against corruption until the battle is won and the culprits are prosecuted.
In his remarks, the Chairman House Committee on Healthcare Services, Mr Chike Okafor, described as historic the size 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.
Mr Chike pledged the continue support of all activities that would keep the lives of Nigerians safe and secured.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Hammed Ali, represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Sanusi Umar, noted that this seizure was the largest of such made by his agency in 30 years.
This he attributed to the collaborative efforts of all relevant agencies, concluding that more of such could be achieved if all relevant Agencies work together.
In her welcome address, the Ag. Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs Yetunde Oni, called on 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 standard and safe for human consumption.
Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr Theophilus Adagma pledged the support of the State Government to the fight against fake and sub-standard drugs.
