The Pharmacists Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the Federal Ministry of Health and all states concerned to act speedily on the implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDGs) and the Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs).
Its Abuja branch chairman Pharm. Ifeanyi Ikebudu, made the call at a press briefing to commemorate the 2022 World Pharmacists Day in Abuja on the theme, “Pharmacy; United in Action for a Healthier World”
Ikebudu stated that the full implementation of the provisions of the NDDGs will have a far-reaching positive impact on the health indices, medicine security, control (or eradication) of fake and counterfeit drugs and ultimately achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
“Permit me here to congratulate the Executive Governors of Anambra and Kano States on the giant strides that have taken in ensuring completion of the CWCs in their States,” he said.
He said that the PSN will collaborate with the new Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, to ensure the implementation of the Pharmacy Council Act.
He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting the act adding that the coming into law of the bill gives the pharmacists a great pedestal to celebrate this year’s WPD.
“This is so because the new Pharmacy Council Law will act as a springboard for the Council to exact better regulations on Pharmacy practice in the Country thereby improving the health indices,” he said.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is apt because it underscores the great need for pharmacists and indeed all healthcare professionals across the different spectra of practice to close ranks for a more collaborative approach towards maintaining a healthier and wealthier world,” he added.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the group, Dr Abubakar Dauraka appreciated the effort of the NDLEA and NAFDAC on their fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking and urged for more collaboration with the PSN in order to achieve better results.
Meanwhile, the former PSN chair and the chairman WPD Planning Committee Pharm. Jelili Kilani, and the PSN Abuja Branch’s Editor-in Chief, Pharm. Ene Daniel-Ebune urged Nigerians to avoid self-medication and ensure they visit qualified medical personnel when they are sick.
The pharmacists celebrated their day with award given to the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Dr Zango Mustapha MD NNPC Medical Services Ltd for their contributions to the health sector.
The World Pharmacists’ Day is celebrated annually on September 25, and it is projected to celebrate the great contributions of pharmacists globally to a healthier world.
