Abia State Government Partners with PSN Against Fake Drugs

The Abia State government has announced a partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to tackle the issue of fake and substandard medicines in the state. Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu made this declaration at the Government House in Umuahia while receiving a proposal from the PSN's Abia State branch.

Emetu expressed support for establishing a coordinated wholesale center in Abia State, which he believes will help regulate drug distribution and ensure that only licensed operators are involved in the pharmaceutical supply chain. He emphasized the need for a strategic approach to effectively eliminate counterfeit medicines and quack vendors, citing rising health issues such as kidney failure linked to improperly dispensed medicines.

The proposal will be presented at the next Abia State Security Council meeting. Chinedu Urukwem, Secretary of the PSN Abia State branch, also called for the operationalization of the Abia State drug management agency to further support pharmaceutical practices in the state.