FG to sanction pharmaceutical companies incompliant with national drug distribution guidelines in June 2015

ABUJA (Federal Ministry of Health Report) 

“The Nigerian Government is to sanction pharmaceutical distribution businesses that are not compliant with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines by June 2015,” the Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu (Prof) announced this in Abuja lately at a press briefing on the implementation status of the national drug distribution guidelines.

He explained that though the guidelines require that from June 30, 2014, the Nigerian Government should commence the application of sanctions on all pharmaceutical distribution businesses that are not compliant with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, it has been extended by one year.

Onyebuchi Chukwu (Prof) affirmed that following the one year extension by June 30, 2015 all drug manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and other partakers in pharmaceutical distribution in the country in the public and private sectors must conduct their businesses in accordance with the stipulations of the guidelines. He recalled that in February 2013, the Nigerian Government launched two policy documents that are very critical in Nigeria’s march to improving access to quality, safe and affordable medicines for all Nigerians.

“The documents included: the National Distribution Guidelines and the National Policy on Pharmaco-vigilance. The development of these documents constitute part of the strategies implored towards attaining zero tolerance of fake drugs in the healthcare system as set out by president Goodluck Jonathan,” he iterated.

The Minister indicated that the National Drug Distribution Guidelines provide guidance for the drug distribution system at all levels of pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria; adding that the guidelines are also inherent with measures to make pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practice easily amenable to regulatory control, thereby guaranteeing quality drug supply to all Nigerians.