The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Anambra chapter, has urged the state government to establish a drug management agency to combat the distribution of substandard and counterfeit drugs across the state.
Mr Emeka Okpala, state chairman, PSN, made the call in Monday in Awka to mark World Pharmacist Day commemorated ever Sept. 25, with the theme – ‘Think Health, Think Pharmacist’.
Okpala said the agency would work to reform the drug distribution system and position the state as a model for the rest of the country.
He commended the state government for the ongoing construction of the Coordinated Wholesale Distribution Center in Oba, in Idemili South LGA.
According to him, the centre will be a game-changer when completed.
“There is the need for a holistic implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline in the state.
“Together, we can create a stare and nation where safe and affordable medicines are a reality for every household and where pharmacists are fully empowered to safeguard public health.
“This is because where the subject is health, whether prevention, treatment or recovery, a pharmacist must be at the forefront,” he said.
