Emetu Pledges Action on Fake Drugs, Pharmacy Education as PSN Seeks Stronger Healthcare Reforms in Abia

Emetu Pledges Action on Fake Drugs, Pharmacy Education as PSN Seeks Stronger Healthcare Reforms in Abia

Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has assured the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Abia State Branch, of the state government’s commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical services, eliminating fake drugs and improving healthcare delivery across the state.

Speaking while receiving the leadership of the society at Government House, Umuahia, Emetu described the proposals presented by the association as timely and strategic, particularly the call for government support and funding of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Abia State.

According to him, establishing the CWC would provide a central distribution point for pharmaceutical products, curb the proliferation of fake and substandard drugs, and make it easier to identify licensed medicine dealers.

He disclosed that the document submitted by the society would be presented at the forthcoming Abia State Security Council meeting, stressing that tackling illegal drug distribution requires a coordinated strategy involving relevant security and regulatory agencies.

“The proposal is an eye-opener. Rather than chasing the problem endlessly, we must adopt a strategic approach that will effectively eliminate the menace of fake drugs and quack medicine vendors,” the Deputy Governor said.

On the proposed Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, Emetu acknowledged the importance of producing more pharmacists for the state’s healthcare system.

He noted that the present administration inherited numerous challenges, including the loss of accreditation by several tertiary institutions, but said the government had already restored accreditation in many programmes and would continue investing in education and healthcare.

The Deputy Governor assured the society that he would discuss the issue with Governor Alex Otti to facilitate the accreditation and development of pharmaceutical education in the state.

Addressing the shortage of pharmacists in public health institutions, Emetu admitted that the pharmaceutical workforce was still inadequate despite recent recruitment of healthcare professionals.

He described pharmacists as indispensable members of the healthcare team, noting that effective diagnosis and treatment depend largely on the availability of quality medicines and professional pharmaceutical care.

He promised to present the society’s concerns to Governor Otti and engage the Commissioner for Health in further discussions with the PSN to develop practical solutions.

Emetu also expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidney failure and other health complications linked to fake and improperly dispensed medicines, attributing the problem largely to the activities of unqualified drug vendors.

He reiterated the government’s determination to sanitise the pharmaceutical sector by strengthening regulation and ensuring that only qualified practitioners engage in the sale and distribution of medicines.

Earlier, Vice Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Abia State Branch, Pharm. Nnamdi Amechi, commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration for increasing budgetary allocations to the health and education sectors and for recruiting healthcare workers, including pharmacists.

He appealed to the government to support the establishment and accreditation of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Abia State University, Uturu, describing it as essential for producing skilled pharmacists to meet the healthcare needs of the state.

Amechi also urged the government to employ more pharmacists into state health facilities, implement the Pharmacist Consultancy Cadre, include pharmacists on healthcare management boards, establish a Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Board to regulate herbal medicine practice, and support the establishment of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC).

He further requested government assistance with a vehicle and a permanent secretariat to strengthen enforcement activities against illegal drug sales, while calling for incentives to attract pharmaceutical manufacturing industries to Aba.

The PSN Vice Chairman expressed confidence that closer collaboration between the state government and the pharmaceutical profession would significantly improve healthcare delivery and position Abia as a leading centre for pharmaceutical excellence in Nigeria.

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