Gov. Ugwuanyi tasks Pharmacists on Fight against Fake and Substandard Drugs
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has urged Pharmacists in the country to intensify their efforts towards identifying and eliminating fake and substandard drugs to enhance quality healthcare delivery.
Governor Ugwuanyi also advocated that sanctions be meted out to professionals who involve themselves in the manufacture, importation or sales of such drugs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 35th Annual National Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) held at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, the governor noted that the community Pharmacists as the most accessible healthcare professionals in the healthcare delivery system, require greater professional knowledge and skills towards the actualization of the set objectives in the health sector.
While emphasizing the importance of the conference towards the concrete efforts to reposition the health sector in Enugu State in pursuit of its aspiration to turn the State into the choice destination for medical treatment and medical tourism in the country, Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to partner with the Association and other health care professionals and bodies to enhance qualitative health care delivery.
The governor disclosed that his administration has ensured proper equipment and staffing of existing health institutions in the State and was on the verge of completing an ultra-modern medical diagnostic centre in Enugu with capacity to serve the needs of the country and beyond.
He said that the state government has also made arrangements for the commencement of the construction of three new Specialist Hospitals in the three Senatorial Zones of the State and has been sustaining and strengthening the Free Maternal and Child Health Care programme.
In his welcome address, the President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai disclosed that the conference was a platform for stock taking and strategic planning for the future, adding that that informed the theme of the conference – “ Manpower Development in Community Pharmacy Practice – Adopting Global Best Practices”
While commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for identifying with the Association on its first conference in the State as well as his outstanding achievements in office as Governor, the PSN President said that the body was ready to continue to partner with ACPN and other regulatory authorities to strengthen pharmacy practice through the review of Pharmacy laws to enable the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (CPN) perform its regulatory function effectively by eradicating charlatans and illegal drug traders in the country.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include, the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, represented by the Chief Medical Director of UNTH, Dr. Chris Amah, the National Chairman of ACPN, Dr. Albert Kelong Alkali, Member Representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Amadi, Archbishop of Enugu Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Chairman of the Occasion, Pharm. Ifeanyi Okoye, among others