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The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists recently issued a communique urging Governor Umo Eno to address drug smuggling and counterfeiting by revitalizing and funding the state Counterfeit and Fake Drug Monitoring Committee. This call was made during their 3rd Annual Scientific Conference, where they highlighted concerns about the prevalence of counterfeit drugs, particularly in a challenging economic environment.
They emphasized the importance of authentication, traceability, secure packaging, and quality control to ensure medicine security amidst economic instability. Additionally, the conference criticized the escalating medication costs in Nigeria, attributing it to the depressed economy and increased energy costs. They expressed dismay over the heavy reliance on imported medications and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from China and India, despite Nigeria’s capacity for local production.
The association also commended Governor Eno for his efforts in funding healthcare for the less privileged but urged for further support to the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency. They advocated for the inclusion of pharmacists on the agency’s board, citing their expertise in health economics and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, they called on the state government to back their public health awareness campaigns under the “Arise Agenda,” aimed at educating Akwa Ibom residents about vital health topics through electronic media platforms.
Overall, the association’s resolutions underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat drug counterfeiting, secure medicine supplies, and improve healthcare access in Akwa Ibom State.