Pharmacists Join NAFDAC to Combat Counterfeit Drugs

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to utilize all regulatory measures to combat counterfeit medicines in Nigeria. In a recent initiative, approximately 600 pharmacists have volunteered to join NAFDAC's Pharmacists Reserve Volunteer Programme, aimed at enhancing drug regulation at the community level.

After taking an oath of allegiance, NAFDAC's Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, urged the volunteers to maintain integrity in their service, highlighting the pressures they may face. ACPN's national chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for regulators to remain uncompromised.

The pharmacists, representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, will engage in pharmacovigilance, compliance monitoring, quality assurance, and public education against drug abuse. The program aims to create a national reserve of pharmacists who can respond quickly to health emergencies related to substandard or falsified medicines.