ACPN Calls for Sanctions Against Illegal Drug Distribution in Nigerian Federal Hospitals

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is urging the Nigerian government to impose sanctions on illegal drug distribution in federal hospitals. The ACPN Chairman, Ezeh Ambros Igwekamma, raised concerns about the increasing incidence of unauthorized pharmaceutical activities within several federal health institutions.

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) is accused of turning a blind eye to unregistered private pharmacies operating in drug distribution roles within public hospitals, leading to breaches of legal standards. Despite warnings from the ACPN in 2020 and 2022, the FMOH allegedly failed to address the irregularities, jeopardizing the integrity of the drug distribution system in the country.