The House of Representatives has called upon the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) to promptly close down all illicit outlets vending pharmaceutical products and ensure strict adherence to prescription protocols.
The directive came following the adoption of a motion spearheaded by Hon. Adamu Gamawa, focusing on the pressing issue of combating the unrestricted sale of drugs and the prevalent disregard for prescription guidelines within Nigeria.
“Need to curb indiscriminate sale of drugs and lack of adherence to prescription policy in Nigeria.”
Moreover, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health to formulate a comprehensive drug prescription policy to regulate the distribution and administration of medications effectively. It emphasised the necessity for collaborative efforts between key agencies to tackle the pervasive issue.
Specifically, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) were called upon to synergise with pertinent organisations to raise awareness about the perils of drug misuse among the populace.
During the demonstrations on Wednesday, Hon. Gamawa underscored concerns regarding the proliferation of unauthorised drug peddlers, predominantly comprising individuals with limited education backgrounds. He highlighted the prevalent circulation of counterfeit, substandard, or expired pharmaceuticals within open markets, exacerbating health risks for consumers.
Furthermore, he cautioned against the repercussions of neglecting to address the burgeoning crisis, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences if urgent measures are not implemented.
Citing empirical evidence, he outlined the adverse societal impacts stemming from drug abuse, including its correlation with extremism, terrorism, violent crimes, and educational disengagement, which collectively undermine community well-being, security, and stability.
