Pulse.ng : NAFDAC holds Sensitisation Workshop on Substandard, Falsified Medicines in Kaduna

By Stella Kabruk

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Thursday held a community sensitisation workshop for stakeholders on substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria.

Speaking during the workshop, Director North West Zone of the Agency, Bala Mshelia said the workshop was to sensitise stakeholders on substandard and
falsified medicines which were global problems that present enormous public health challenges to National Medicines Regulatory Authorities .

He said NAFDAC is maximizing the efforts to curb the menace of such in the state.

He lamented that the unpatriotic business men/women involved in the illegal manufacture, importation and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines target medicines with high volume of use for the treatment of diseases of public health interest.

He mentioned some of the classes of medicines targeted to include antimalarials, antibiotics, antihypertensives, anti-diabetic agents and life style drugs.

He urged them to join in the fight to ensure all drugs are safe for usage.

"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 agencies 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,"he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Kaduna, Mr Sunday UKoh appreciated NAFDAC for the timely sensitisation, adding that all stakeholders must be on the tools to do the needful.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Abosede Garba, said the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines is not just a challenge for healthcare professionals, but a grave public health concern that affects the lives of millions.

She said the counterfeit products jeopardize the health of patients, thereby undermining the credibility of the nations healthcare system and threaten the progress made in fighting diseases.

"It is with great honor that I stand before you today, representing the Association of Community Pharmacists, as we gather for this vital sensitization workshop organized by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The theme of this workshop—addressing the menace of substandard and falsified medicines—could not be more timely or relevant, especially in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.;

"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 said.

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 their unwavering commitment to protecting public health by tackling the issue of substandard and falsified medicines.

"Your efforts in regulating, educating, and raising awareness are invaluable in safeguarding the well-being of our citizens. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this cause".

She urged pharmacists to be vigilant, proactive, and steadfast in their commitment to promoting the safe use of medicines by adhering to best practices, fostering strong relationships with regulatory bodies, and educating patients through which significant impact in curbing the circulation of dangerous, counterfeit products could be made (NAN)