•By Suliah Oyebukola, Ibadan
IBADAN – Worried by the menaces associated with fake medicines, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) held a day sensitization workshop on ways to curb production and circulation of counterfeit medicines.
NAFDAC through the sensitization program held at Ibadan Business School, Bodija Ibadan, educated the health care practitioners, distributors and other stakeholders on effects of substandard and counterfeit drugs.Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, Director of the Southwest Zone at NAFDAC,emphasized the agency’s commitment to raising awareness about substandard and falsified products during her welcome address at a just concluded program.
She mentioned that a survey conducted in 2020 revealed a significant prevalence of substandard and falsified products and since then, the focus has been on how to reduce the rate.
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NAFDAC’s comprehensive strategy includes product registration, facility inspections, laboratory evaluations, and post-market surveillance to ensure the safety of medicines.
Mrs Ajayi highlighted that the prevalence of substandard products can lead to therapeutic failures, endangering patient lives and ultimately jeopardizing the Agency’s mission.
“Today’s program focuses on sensitization.We must engage various stakeholders, including healthcare practitioners and distributors, to combat this issue effectively.
“The agency plans ongoing advocacy visits to traditional leaders and community influencers to promote awareness and discourage the purchase of substandard goods”,she stated.
Mrs. Ajayi advised the public to scrutinize drug packaging for signs of falsification, such as missing manufacturer details or spelling errors.
“To purchase original drugs, go to registered pharmacists, ensure to check for the expiry date, manufacturing date, batch number and a place of manufacture”,she said.
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Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria in Oyo State, reiterated the importance of proper medication practices, stressing that incorrect usage can lead to severe health complications.
“If drugs are taken in the wrong way, it means the person’s liver or kidney will be damaged”, he said.
NAFDAC is also leveraging advanced technologies, such as a global numbering system, true scan (a hand held device) and mobile authentication services, to combat counterfeit products effectively.The agency warns that distributing fake drugs is a criminal offense, with strict penalties for violators.