The Pharmaceuticals Society of Nigeria (PSN) has sounded the alarm on the devastating consequences of counterfeit and ineffective medications in Nigeria.
In commemoration of the 2024 World Pharmacists Day, Adewale Adenugba, Ogun State chairman of the association, called for urgent collaboration with government agencies to combat quacks and fake drug sales.
Adenugba’s warning came as charlatans have taken over medication sales, operating unlicensed pharmacies in various towns and markets. This has led to an increased risk of adverse reactions, growing drug resistance, and economic burden on individuals and the healthcare system.
The use of counterfeit or ineffective medications contributes to the development of drug-resistant diseases, making treatment more challenging. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing concern, responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019.
In Nigeria, the situation is dire. Unlicensed pharmacies and roadside medicine sellers proliferate, selling fake drugs, including chloroquine. The PSN and regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA are working to close outlets selling fake drugs.
Adenugba emphasized the importance of buying drugs from reputable outlets and looking for NAFDAC-approved drugs. He also highlighted the need for pharmacists to play a vital role in dispensing medications, particularly in private hospitals.
Notable challenges include:
– Unlicensed pharmacies and fake drug production
– Lack of pharmacist involvement in medication dispensing.
Nigeria can mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit medications.
To combat fake drugs and ensure public safety, Nigeria must address these challenges by supporting pharmacists, promoting public awareness and education on fake drug risks, enforcing regulations, collaborating between government agencies and PSN, and establishing monitoring taskforces.
