Bayelsa State government partners Dora Akunyili Foundation for Safe Medicines to eliminate fake drugs in Niger Delta.

Started by FMINigeria, Jul 05, 2013, 04:01 PM

FMINigeria

Dora Akunyili                        Drug mart has been described as the most practical way through which fake and counterfeit drugs can be eliminated in Nigeria.

The former Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili disclosed this while laying the foundation stone of the first National Drug Distribution Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Prof. Akunyili who was also the former Minister of Information and Communication and founder Dora Akunyili Foundation for Safe Medicines said that the objective of the foundation is to create an orderly network and conducive environment for the sale and distribution of wholesome pharmaceutical products under the supervision of the professionals.

The former NAFDAC D.G., pointed out that her foundation entered into partnership with the Bayelsa State Government as a means to help eliminate the distribution and selling of fake drugs in Nigeria and commended Governor Seriake Dickson for helping her fulfill her dream.

The original plan, according to her, was to establish the drug mart in the six Geo-political zones of the country.

Earlier in his remark, Governor Seriake Dickson lamented the increasing rate of fake drugs in the market, adding that the project will go a long way in the elimination of fake drugs, not only in the State but the nation as a whole.

According to him, the edifice when completed will be equipped with medical formation which will include a pharmaceutical mart, emergency medical services and a medical store among others.

Governor Dickson stated that all these steps will amount to nothing if steps are not taken by government to also provide quality, genuine and affordable drugs to the people of the State.

"We need to be sure of the quality of drugs in supply, not only through public institutions, but also through all private retail outlets in the state"; stating further that, "This project, when completed will curb the menace of fake and adulterated drugs which has been the bane of the Nigeria drug market. In addition, it will address goals 4 and 5 of the Millennium Development Goals.

Hon. Dickson called on those in the drug industry; other States in the South-South zone as well as Bayelsans to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the pharmaceutical storage and distribution complex where only quality and genuine drugs will be made available for sale.

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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria