The Anambra State Chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, has called on the state government to create a drug management agency as part of steps to bring an end to the regime of substandard and counterfeit drug distribution in the state.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
PSN made the call through its state Chairman, Pharmacist Emeka Okpana during a press briefing to mark World Pharmacists Day in Awka.
Pharmacist Okpana said the establishment of a Distribution Management Agency, DMA, will help reshape the drug distribution landscape and will, in time, make the state a model for the rest of Nigeria.
He commended the state government for the ongoing construction of Coordinated Wholesale Distribution Center in Oba, which he said will be a game-changer when completed, but harped on the importance of a wholesome implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”, Pharmacist Okpana said it reminds every individual, policymaker, and community that whenever the subject is health—whether prevention, treatment, or recovery—the pharmacist must be at the forefront.
ANN gathered that World Pharmacists Day is celebrated annually on September 25.
It commenced in Anambra with a public lecture organized by the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Chapter, Nnewi; with a keynote speech delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Sunny Nduka.
