The Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof Moji Adeyeye, has issued a warning to members of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers regarding the purchase and sale of substandard drugs.
She emphasised the urgent need for stringent measures to combat substandard and falsified medical products in the country.
The DG, represented by the agency’s Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Fraden Bitrus, delivered this warning to the NAPPMED members during a one-day sensitisation campaign in Abuja on Monday.
“Today, we discuss a crucial issue: sourcing quality products for our communities,” Bitrus stated.
He underscored the importance of prioritising community welfare over financial gain.
Bitrus urged participants to recognise their significant role as healthcare professionals, saying, “Your services directly impact community welfare. It is essential to prioritize their well-being.”
She outlined key strategies for avoiding falsified products, which include sourcing from reputable suppliers and ensuring all products meet regulatory standards.
“To avoid falsified products,” he advised, “you must source products correctly and verify their compliance with NAFDAC regulations.
“Let’s unite against falsified products. Support NAFDAC’s efforts to eradicate harmful products from our markets.”
Bitrus reiterated the key takeaways of the campaign, reminding attendees to prioritise community welfare, source quality products, and uphold their professional responsibilities.
“Let’s work together to ensure Nigeria has access to quality products,” he concluded, stressing the collective responsibility of stakeholders in the fight against substandard drugs.
