The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, has issued a stern warning to members of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) regarding the dangers of purchasing and selling substandard drugs.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Fraden Bitrus, Prof. Adeyeye addressed the NAPPMED members during a one-day sensitization campaign held in Abuja on Monday. The event focused on the critical need to combat substandard and falsified medical products across Nigeria.
“Today, we address an urgent issue: ensuring that communities have access to quality medical products,” Bitrus said. He emphasized the need for dealers to prioritize the well-being of the public over financial gain.
Bitrus further highlighted the role of patent medicine dealers as key players in healthcare delivery, urging them to recognize their responsibility in maintaining the safety and health of their communities. “Your services directly impact the welfare of the public. It is essential that you prioritize the well-being of your customers by ensuring that only quality products are sold,” he added.
The campaign also focused on strategies for avoiding falsified drugs, with Bitrus advising participants to source products from reputable suppliers and verify their compliance with NAFDAC regulations.
“To avoid substandard products, you must ensure that your supplies meet all regulatory standards,” Bitrus urged. He also called on the attendees to support NAFDAC’s efforts in eliminating harmful drugs from Nigerian markets.
As the sensitization campaign came to a close, Bitrus reminded the medicine dealers of their collective responsibility to uphold public health by sourcing quality products and adhering to professional standards. “Together, we can ensure that Nigeria has access to safe and reliable medical products,” he concluded.
NAFDAC’s call for cooperation reflects its ongoing commitment to eliminating substandard drugs and safeguarding public health in the country.