NEWS
Abia State Govt Moves to Eliminate Fake Drugs, Strengthen Pharmaceutical Services
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical services, eliminating fake and substandard drugs, and improving healthcare delivery across the state.
Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Abia State Branch, at Government House, Umuahia. He described the proposals presented by the society as timely and strategic, particularly the request for government support and funding for the establishment of a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Abia State.
According to the Deputy Governor, the proposed Coordinated Wholesale Centre would serve as a central distribution hub for pharmaceutical products, help curb the circulation of fake and substandard medicines, and make it easier to identify licensed medicine dealers across the state.
Emetu disclosed that the proposal submitted by the PSN would be presented at the forthcoming Abia State Security Council meeting, stressing that the fight against illegal drug distribution requires a coordinated effort involving security agencies and regulatory authorities.
He noted that rather than continuously pursuing offenders, government must adopt a more strategic and sustainable approach capable of permanently addressing the menace of fake drugs and unqualified medicine vendors.
The Deputy Governor also welcomed the society’s proposal for the establishment of a Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, describing it as a vital step toward producing more qualified pharmacists for the state’s healthcare system.
He explained that the present administration inherited several challenges, including the loss of accreditation for programmes in some tertiary institutions, but added that the government had successfully restored accreditation in many programmes and would continue investing in both education and healthcare.
Emetu assured the delegation that he would discuss the proposal with Governor Alex Otti to facilitate the accreditation and development of pharmaceutical education in the state.
Speaking on the shortage of pharmacists in public health institutions, the Deputy Governor acknowledged that although the government had recruited healthcare professionals, there was still a significant need for more pharmacists.
He described pharmacists as indispensable members of the healthcare system, emphasizing that quality diagnosis and treatment depend not only on medical expertise but also on access to safe, effective medicines and professional pharmaceutical care.
He further promised to present the concerns of the society to Governor Otti and engage the Commissioner for Health in discussions with the PSN to develop practical and lasting solutions.
Expressing concern over the increasing cases of kidney failure and other health complications linked to fake and improperly dispensed medicines, Emetu blamed the trend largely on 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 professionals 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, as well as 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 capable of meeting the healthcare needs of Abia residents.
Amechi also urged the state government to recruit more pharmacists into public 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 provide support for the establishment of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre.
He further requested government assistance with a vehicle and a permanent secretariat to strengthen enforcement efforts against illegal drug sales while calling for incentives that would attract pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to Aba.
The PSN Vice Chairman expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between the Abia State Government and the pharmaceutical profession would significantly improve healthcare delivery, strengthen the fight against counterfeit medicines, and position Abia as a leading centre for pha
rmaceutical excellence in Nigeria.