..Destroy N460m Expired Drugs in Akwa Ibom

By Chioma Onuegbu Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Branch of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has expressed concern that the growing menace of counterfeit and substandard medicines remains a serious threat to public health and the integrity of their profession.

The State Chairman of the Association Pharm. Tony Anderson stated this at in his address at the Branch’s 4th Annual Scientific Conference which held in Uyo yesterday.

Anderson highlighted the significance of this year’s conference, noting that it would also offer them the opportunity to celebrate individuals for outstanding contributions to humanity and public service.

“The growing menace of counterfeit and substandard medicines remains a serious threat to public health and the integrity of our profession,” Anderson asserted

The ACPN Chairman disclosed that they submitted expired medications worth over N460 million last December for proper destruction

“In line with our zero-tolerance stance, I am pleased to report that, under my leadership, the Akwa Ibom State Branch voluntarily submitted expired medications worth over N460 million to  National Agency for Food and Drug administration and control

(NAFDAC) for proper destruction last December.

   “This decisive action underscores our dedication to safeguarding public health and upholding professional ethics.” He said

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Also speaking,Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Pharm. Donatus Onyeka Adigom, while commenting on the conference theme, “Advancing Scientific Frontiers in the Fight Against Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals and Drug Abuse,””issued a clarion call that “Community Pharmacists must rise and demonstrate readiness to spearhead the campaign against fake medications and drug abuse.”

The Chairman of the event Engr. Ekemini Amos, described the theme as “timely and deeply significant,” highlighting the severe threats posed by fake drugs and substance abuse globally.

“I am pleased to announce the construction of an infusion manufacturing plant in Akwa Ibom State,” he revealed. “This initiative is being executed in collaboration with a renowned pharmaceutical company based in France.”

“As part of our commitment, I had earlier pledged to sponsor the training of approximately thirty pharmacists in Agen, France – a plan now well underway, with recruitment and logistics near completion.”

He noted that the training was to empower young Nigerians on how to manage to facility, stressing that the fight against fake drugs and abuse requires a societal-wide effort.

 “This training is to empower young Nigerian professionals with the expertise to manage the new facility, significantly reducing reliance on foreign specialists and enhancing local pharmaceutical manufacturing” He said

Amos further revealed that the infusion plant was projected to create “close to 1,000 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect employment opportunities within its first two years of operation.

He said””It cannot be waged by health professionals alone – it demands a coordinated, collective response from every sector. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring safe, effective medicines reach those in need.”,