-Says Ban on Codeine Production and Importation is Temporal

Following the directive by the Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend the further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye has said the embargo is not permanent, but temporal.

The DG, during a mini press conference with journalists in her office on Wednesday, 2 May 2018, said although the issue of narcotics control requires a multisectoral approach, it became imperative for the agency to put a temporary hold on the issuance of permits for codeine, because things cannot continue the way they have been, hence the agency had to take action, as peoples’ lives were at stake.

She said: “Previously before the release of the BBC documentary, I met with my directors, because we have got clips regarding the issue, and we agreed that there is going to be a temporary ban on issuance of permits for codeine, as it is NAFDAC responsibility to issue permits, for X kg of codeine to company A, and Y Kg of codeine to Company B.

“So we decided to place a temporary embargo, and until NAFDAC gets  it’s house together, the manufacturers  get their house together, the distributors get their house together, PCN gets  it’s house together, Ministry of Health, gets it’s house together, and since it is a  multisectoral challenge, it definitely requires  a multisectoral  approach to get to it root”.

On how far the agency has gone in trailing the codeine related drugs in circulation, the NAFDAC DG intimated pressmen that her officials have already trapped some cartons of the drugs in some affected companies in Ilorin, Kwara State, noting that the inspection and enforcement exercise is still going in the affected pharmaceutical companies.

Her words: “The recall of labelled drugs is for manufacturers to get all the codeine related products they have produced back to their warehouses and destroy them, else if our officials come across the products anywhere,  and  found them in excess of the amount of codeine approved for the company, the pharmaceutical company that produced them will be fined heavily”.

Unfortunately, since there is no data base of codeine addicts, she said it is difficult for the agency to assist addicts in anyway. She however advised them to go through withdrawal system, which is a gradual process, as an abrupt stop of the habit may not be possible for them.

Going forward on the issue of drug control, Prof. Adeyeye stated that the absent of NAFDAC at the ports is one of the major factors aiding the illegal circulation of narcotics in the country, adding that “If NAFDAC is not allowed in the ports, we are hiding our heads in the sand”.

Another reason she forwarded that partially allowed the distribution of illegal drugs in the country was the limitation of NAFDAC to maximally inspect and supervise the large numbers of food and water companies, about 6000, 200 pharmaceutical companies, and unlimited number of cosmetic companies in the country, due to limited staff and equipment.

According to her, the chaotic distribution chain was also fanned by the ineffective supervision of community pharmacies by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) as “PCN was not doing as much as it should do”.

Hence, describing drug abuse as an epidemic and a societal challenge, she called for the contribution of all stakeholders in the country, saying it could be anybody’s relative that might be affected tomorrow, thus it is everybody’s responsibility to see that drug misuse becomes a thing of the past in the country.

She further disclosed that the agency is flagging off a nationwide campaign against drug abuse, in collaboration with Young Pharmacists Group (YPG) as they will be used as the channels to enlighten the populace on the dangers of drug abuse, particular among the youths- secondary school students and undergraduates.

Meanwhile, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has hailed the professionalism of the BBC Africa Eye documentary investigators on codeine abuse and their bravery in unravelling the decadence, noting that the Society had since last year drawn the attention of the public to the issue, and had even taken advocacy to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Traditional Rulers, Governors of affected states and DG NAFDAC.

However, the affected pharmaceutical company in the BBC documentary, Emzor Pharmaceuticals has sent a statement disclosing that the company has stopped the production and distribution of Emzolyn with Codeine, pending a thorough review.

The President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ahmed I Yakasai has warned on the conduct of the forthcoming presidential election of the Society, saying it is not a do-or-die affair.

Pharm. Yakasai who made the remarks at the 2018 Annual Luncheon of the Lagos State PSN branch, said at this age of PSN, which is 91 years, members should not be seen  hurting themselves over the position of the president of the Society, because it is for service

According to him: “Election is not a do-or-die affair, if you want it by all means, that means you are not there to serve, but you just want to get there for selfish interest”.

Expressing his neutral stand towards all candidates, he urged all the PSN presidential aspirants to embrace caution as they embark on their campaign towards the election. While he encouraged other members to vote in the right candidate for the progress of the Society.

“We are 91 years now, come Ibadan 2018, I’m sure it will go well. However, we should compose ourselves well election or not, in order to put the right candidate into position”, he stated.

Yakasai also commended all members of the Lagos State PSN, for championing the course of pharmacy in the country, as the branch with the highest number of active pharmacists, who are heavy financial contributors to the Society.

No fewer than thirty-six members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos State branch, were decorated with the Merit Award  of the Society, at the 2018 Annual Luncheon and Investiture of Merit Award Winners/ N30 Million Fund Raising for Society’s bus.

The colourful event, held at the Sheraton Hotel &Towers, on 29 April, 2018, was well attended by dignitaries, among who were: PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed I Yakasai; Chairman/CEO, Megachem Nigeria Ltd., Pharm. Sam Ubachukwu; Managing Director, PharmacyPlus Ltd., Pharm. Chukwuemeka Obi; Commissioner 3 LSHSC, Pharm.(Otunba) Seun Osikoya; Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr Fidelis A Ayebae; Mazi Sam Ohabunwa;  Lagos ACPN Chairman, Pharm. Olabanji  Benedict Obideyi, Dr Moyosore Adejumo, director of pharmaceutical services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, among others.

The Chairman, Lagos State PSN, Pharm. Bolanle Adeniran, while appreciating the guests and participants at the occasion, remarked on the ongoing health workers strike, saying there is no going back, until the government grants what they are asking for.

She explained that what the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) is requesting is nothing but the implementation of the Unified Salary Scale for all health workers, doctors inclusive.”Unified Salary Scale is our request, and without it, the strike will continue.

“Now, that there is CONMESS for doctors and CONHESS for health workers, but whatever you call it, as long as the parity is not there, there will be dispute. I will not sit down and be watching a colleague of mine, who is a medic to be collecting ten times of my salary.

“The only way out is to go back to the Unified Salary Scale, because just like the medics have said that if the government attend to us, they will go on strike, we will also go on strike again, because as they go increase their our own salary, the  government  must increase that of other health workers too”.

The PSN chairman also called for the review of the composition of boards of Federal Health Institutions, stating that it is presently made up of medical doctors, which is unfair to other healthcare workers.”The board is supposed to be for all health workers, but it is only constituted of medical doctors”.

She therefore called on the Federal Government, to resolve the issues surrounding the pending confirmation of consultancy cadre for pharmacists, as the incumbent leadership of the health sector has failed to implement for a very long time.

Explaining the association’s parameters for the selection of Merit Award winners, Pharm. Adeniran noted that they have carefully selected members of the association who have served meritoriously in their various areas of practice for the Merit Award.

The PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed I Yakasai, commended the leadership of the Lagos PSN branch, for their innovation and laudable performance, as the branch with the highest number of pharmacists in the country, and also having financial heavyweights in the Society.

The President, who expressed his heartfelt felicitations to the awardees, urged them to keep up with their good initiatives, as they excel in all areas of their practices.

The Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Sam Ubachukwu, chairman/CEO, Megachem Nigeria Ltd., urged all members not to rest on their oasis, as the best is yet to be heard of them, stating that pharmacists are expected to excel in other areas of practices in the healthcare and beyond.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Lagos ACPN Chairman, Pharm. Olabanji Benedict Obideyi on the ongoing JOHESU strike, he said it’s not surprising that the government is treating other health workers this way, because major stakeholders in the team are medical doctors.

His words: “I’m not surprised with the whole arrangement, because the minister of health is a doctor, minister of state for health is a medical doctor too, and minister of state for labour and productivity is also a medical doctor. So they will expressly grant their requests.

“But when it gets to the turn of other health workers, they pushed the director of hospital service and other lesser officers to attend to them. That is why the minister will have the impetus, to say there was never any agreement, even when the copy of the agreement appended  his signature is everywhere on social media”.

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s World Malaria Day, an international day commemorated every 25 April to recognise global efforts to control malaria, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Ipaja, Dopemu, Egbeda, and Akowonjo (IDEA) Zone has organised a Walk-Against-Malaria campaign to Temidire Market, Dopemu, to sensitise the traders on how to prevent malaria.

The Walk-Against-Malaria campaign, which took off from Deyo Pharmacy, Dopemu, the premises of one of the respected pharmacists in the country, Pharm. Deji Osinoiki, had a brief stopover at the Alimosho Local Council Secretariat, where the team was received by the executive chairman of the council, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, who was represented by the Chief Medical Officer of the council, Dr. Titilayo Oni.

While addressing workers at the secretariat, the Zonal Coordinator, ACPN, IDEA Zone, Pharm. Ismail Kola Sunmonu, who spoke on the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Ready to Beat Malaria’,  emphasised  the need to join hands in order to eradicate malaria completely. This, he said, can only be achieved by massive sensitisation.

“We know that malaria is very endemic and very dangerous especially to the young ones and the pregnant women. We are here today to sensitise you on the essence of the prevention, treatment and total eradication of malaria, especially in the Sub- Saharan part of the world. We are one of the stakeholders in the industry as community pharmacists and that’s why we are joining the world to celebrate this day,” he said.

Speaking further, Pharm. Sunmonu stressed the need to keep the environment clean and avoid stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed near residences, saying malaria is a disease that is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. He furthered stated that the disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites, saying two of the parasite species that cause malaria in humans pose the greatest threat.

Addressing the market women, who came out in their numbers to listen to them, Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator, who represented the ACPN chairman, Lagos State, Pharm. Olabanji Benedict Obideyi told them to be wary of stagnant water and over grown grasses, adding that these were the usual breeding sites for mosquitoes, which can spread plasmodium that is responsible for causing malaria.

He also described malaria as a disease which infects the red blood cells and is characterised by fever, body ache, chills and sweating, adding that of the four species that cause malaria, plasmodium falciparum is the most serious and can cause serious complications.

While appreciating the association for organising the campaign, Elder Ramoni Olusheye, the Babaloja of Temidire Dopemu Market, thanked the ACPN profusely for organising such laudable programme, saying such comes once in a blue moon. She however urged the pharmacists to visit the market again for more programme of that nature, as they will always be welcomed.

Poised to see to the peaceful end of the ongoing nationwide strike of health workers, under the umbrella of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) which has crippled activities in some public hospitals, the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has urged the Federal Government to embrace Universal Salary Scale for all health workers, medical doctors inclusive.

The PSN maintained that a restructuring of the wage pattern is imperative presently; as it will give preferential entry point to those who have longer duration of training to enable them enter at higher steps on the Universal Salary Scale as a permanent intervention.

The PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai made this submission in his letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, while calling for a halt in the spate of industrial strike actions in the health sector.

In the letter titled “Request to halt the spate of strikes in the health sector”, Yakasai went down the memory lane to trace the root of strikes in the health sector, attributing it to the disparity in wage structure initially introduced by the Olikoye-Kuti leadership in the Federal Ministry of Health, during the military administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

The letter reads in part: “Your Excellency, it is important to draw you back memory lane that contrary to the superiority mentality created in some quarters, pharmacists and doctors entered the public service on the same grade level up till 1991. In Nigeria, pharmacists started on GL 08 step 2, while doctors entered on GL 08 step 3 because of the one year difference in the duration of training.

“After the mandatory one year youth service, pharmacists proceeded to GL 09 step 2 and doctor GL 09 step 3. This was the pattern till the Olikoye-Kuti leadership in the Federal Ministry of Health got the military administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida to approve the Medical Salary Scale (MSS), a discriminatory salary wage in favour of medical doctors in public service.

“The MSS obviously disrupted the equilibrium of public sector wages as it became the basis for other sectoral players request for exclusive wages in the health sector after the MSS was introduced, the Health Salary Scale was introduced for health workers apart from doctors”.

He further recalled how the Federal Ministry of Health in 2009 approved new salary scales for doctors and other health workers respectively.  A CONMESS scale was approved for medical doctors, while CONHESS was the scale of choice for health workers including the rank and file of all health professionals.

However, he noted that the bone of contention was the distortion in salary structure which has been placing the CONMESS far above CONHESS. Unfortunately, he said this was contrary to the motive of introducing the salary scales.”The fundamental spirit of the adoption of CONMESS and CONHESS scale in 2009 was to ensure parity in the two scales at all times”.

The PSN President observed  with dismay that while doctors have enjoyed incremental adjustment on their CONMESS twice, the government is yet to implement  same to CONHESS, an act he describes as unfair to others.

Thus to end this disharmony in the health sector, he prayed the Federal Government to restructure the wage pattern to fit into one universal scale which gives preferential entry point to those who have longer duration of training to enable them enter at higher steps on the Universal Salary Scale as a permanent intervention.

He also requested the immediate release of the enabling circular to adjust the CONHESS scale like was done with CONMESS in 2014 and 2017.

Similarly, he has requested from Mr President , the issuance of the circular that legitimises the consultancy cadre for pharmacists in public service as approved by the National Council on Establishment.

Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, and other notable personalities in the society, including the vice-chancelor, University of Ibadan (UI) , Prof. Abel  Idowu Olayinka; Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, UI; Pharm. (Alh) Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and Pharm. Olakunle Ekundayo, chief executive officer, and founder, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals, have urged young pharmacists in the country to avoid putting monetary gain above the profession, saying a call to pharmacy profession is a call to service.

The dignitaries spoke at the recent induction and oath-taking ceremony for 55 graduands of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

In his remarks, PCN registrar, Pharm. Mohammed, charged the newly robed pharmacists to distinguish themselves from those who had gate-crashed their way into the profession and ensure they put Pharmacy first in whatever they do.

The PCN boss congratulated parents of the graduands for encouraging them to complete the first phase of pharmacy training, saying that the second phase entails undergoing a mandatory one-year internship training programme under the supervision of a registered pharmacist at an accredited internship training facility.

“Those of you who have resolved not to do your internship anywhere else, except government-owned parastatals, are only wasting your time. You are in this profession because you have answered a divine call to service, so it is better you desist from putting monetary gain above professional service,” Mohammed stated.

He further urged the graduands to get acquainted with the code of ethics of Pharmacy, adding that strict compliance with the code is very important for anyone who wants to practice successfully in the country.

“There should be a difference between you and the charlatans out there and this is the only way the society can benefit from our services,” Mohammed counselled.

Stressing that the intruders’ primary concern is making money at all cost, Mohammed noted that this was the precursor of fake drugs in Nigeria.

He further warned: “As young professionals, please ensure you do the right thing always, because if you are caught in a desperate attempt to use your licence in unethical practice, you will be in trouble.”

In his address, the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Abel Olayinka, charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution, adding that they should be found worthy in character and in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He noted that in the history of the faculty, over 850 pharmacists had graduated and had started contributing in several ways to the development of pharmacy practice in particular and Nigeria as a whole, adding that pharmacy practice is an integral part of healthcare and cannot be substituted in the healthcare sector.

The university don, while congratulating the faculty on the recent accreditation of pharmacy programme in the university by the PCN, said his administration would continue its strive for development in the institution and ensure that the status of the university remains the first in the country.

Presenting the 55 graduands for the oath-taking and induction ceremony, the dean of the faculty, Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku, who disclosed that the induction was the first to be conducted by her  since her assumption of  office as  dean,  urged the graduands to continue to uplift the banner of the university wherever they found themselves.

She further implored them to always be professional in their conducts, beginning with their internship, adding that they should not be money conscious, but rather possess the zeal to save lives and satisfy the professional ethics of Pharmacy.

While administering the oath, PCN registrar, Pharm.  Mohammed, urged the newly inducted pharmacists to abide by the ethics of the profession. He also advised them to develop leadership and interpersonal relationship skills, which he said were vital in pharmacy practice.

While delivering the keynote address, Pharm. Olakunle Ekundayo, explained that Pharmacy is more than just a profession, describing it as a calling and occupation that opens the way to several career opportunities for people to excel in life and fulfil their God-given purposes.

The industrial pharmacist, who spoke on the topic,  “It Is Written”,  further admonished the graduands to be ready to position themselves for leadership roles, adding that whatever happens to them in life can be determined by them as nobody would be responsible for their life careers.

Speaking further, the respected pharmacist listed several areas of practice in pharmacy where the graduands can practice, which included, academic pharmacy; community practice pharmacy; chain drug store pharmacy; hospital practice pharmacy; industrial based pharmacy; police and military pharmacy; managed care pharmacy; regulatory affairs pharmacy; government practice pharmacy; research and development pharmacy among others.

Congratulating the graduating students, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, PSN, who was represented by Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade, chairman, PSN, Oyo State, explained that aside from the induction which is marking the end of the graduands’ sojourn in the university, it also marks the beginning of their career in pharmacy profession.

The number one pharmacist in the country however appealed to them to ensure they keep the pharmacy flag flying wherever they go, adding that the academic excellence they recorded in pharmacy school will not be a determinant of a successful career in real life, but rather their zeal and hunger to succeed at all cost.

The high point of the event was the award of the much-coveted prize for the best graduating student, which was won by Adenike Rachael Adelakun.

In all, 15 graduands came out with first class honours and were featured on the ‘Roll of Honour’.  They included, Adenike Rachael Adelakun, with a CGPA of 6.8, out of 7; Chibuzor Maureen Okoro, 6.8; Funmilayo Mosadijeofa Owolowo, 6.7; Rukayat Ohuene Audu, 6.7; Yemisi Mary Oyetunde, 6.6; Abosede Akinkuowo, 6.5; Blaise Omo-Sowho Uvie, 6.5; Anuoluwapo Esther Odunsanya, 6.5; Tolulope Stephen Babalola, 6.2; Adeola Tunmike Omotuyi, 6.2; Jeremiah Adewuyi Alade, 6.1; Shukuralilahi Abidemi Adewusui, 6.0; Emmanuel Ayodeji Agbebi, 6.0; Joshua Tosin Salako, 6.0; Dolapo Asisat Sanusi, 6.0.

Other dignitaries at the event included Prof. Emilolorun  A  Ayelari, deputy vice-chancellor, Administration; Pharm. Lanre Tiamiyu, president, Pharmacy Alumni, University of Ibadan; Pharm. Yejide Oseni, zonal director, PCN, South West Zone; Prof. Olabode Popoola, vice-chancellor, University of Osun State (UNIOSUN), and Pharm. (Dr) Lolu Ojo, former national chairman, NAIP, among others.

-As WAPCP takes drug abuse campaign to Surulere community

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, have recently called on parents, guardians and community leaders to step up monitoring of youths and children, in order to curb the prevalence of drug abuse and misuse in our society.

Representatives of the two agencies made the remarks during a one day community awareness campaign on drug abuse and misuse, organised recently by the West Africa Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, WAPCP, Faculty of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Nigerian Chapter, at Obele-Odan Community, Surulere, Lagos.

The Assistant Director, Drug Abuse Preventive Education Department, NDLEA, Mrs Stella Ngwoke, noted that youths and children are more involved in drug abuse and misuse. While speaking on the topic, “The Role of NDLEA in Combating Drug Abuse in Nigeria”, she described illicit drugs as any substances that could transform the central nervous system and affect the person’s behaviour or thought.

According to her, “parents need to address their children’s challenges as regards drug abuse by monitoring  their activities, and also by not being  too tired to listen and pay attention to their needs because once the children lose faith in their parents, they can never confide in them again,’’ she said

The NDLEA official further stated that drug abuse poses  a serious problem to the victims, the family and the entire society, adding that it has brought misery to many families, while the victims would be more predisposed to contacting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and some other illnesses, and that it could lead to crime.

She also explained steps already taken by the agency in combating drug abuse; saying that the agency has introduced two strategies: the supply reduction – which has to do with reducing drugs in the society, and the demand reduction, adding that the agency was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to infuse drug education in the curriculum of secondary schools.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr John Emmanuel Bankole, principal officer, Narcotics Substance Directorate, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, tasked parents to properly monitor their children’s activities and children of others, saying if they fail to monitor the children of others, those left unmonitored may become their nightmares in the community.

The expert also warned  children to desist from exposing themselves to songs and other activities like peer pressure that expose them to substance abuse, saying the common slang ‘Science Student’ would only lead them to their doom.

“Parents, when last did you go to your children’s room to check the content of their bags and how often do you monitor their movements and the kind of friends they keep? These and many more are very important because the menace has eaten deep into our society and it has brought several harms to peoples’ lives”.

Bankole however urged youths at the event to go to streets and other places where smokers and drug abusers usually lurk to educate them on the consequences of their actions, saying there is need for people to wake up to their responsibilities and be their brothers’ keepers, so that the menace will be eradicated completely.

The Chairman, Obele Odan Community Development Area in Surulere, Mr Yusuf Osagie, called for proper enforcement of the law against illicit drugs peddling, saying drug abuse is not desirable in any society, and should be discouraged, as it can lead to fragmentation in the family, and also death.

In his own contribution, the Baale of Obele-Odan, Surulere Community, Oba Alh. Kareem Awoyemi, urged parents to pay attention to what their children are doing and should know the kind of friends they keep.

“I have made it known to my subjects, my people and all those who care to know that I,  as the traditional leader of this community will not abhor hooliganism, criminal activities, occultism and several other vices, which are resultant effect of drug abuse, because I don’t abuse drug myself. I appreciate the gesture of the WAPCP for deeming my community fit for this kind of programme, and we hope to have them back sooner,” he said.

Other personalities at the programme included, Pharm. (Mrs) Margret Obono, director of Pharmaceutical Services, National Orthopeadic Hospital, Igbobi; Pharm. (Mrs) Scholastica Lan, programme convener and former chairperson, ALPs, Lagos State; Pharm. (Mrs) Amaka Ofomata, deputy zonal coordinator, ACPN, Surulere Zone; Mr Raymond Ibitoye, chairman, Landlords Association, Obele-Odan Community; Pharm  Biola Paul-Ozieh, former chairman, ACPN, Lagos State, who represented the vice-president, PSN, Pharm. (Dr) Daniel Orumwense; Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba, head, Pharmacovigilance Unit, LUTH and Pharm. Bridget Okocha, former zonal chairman, ACPN, Surulere Zone, among others

• As the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, NAIP, enumerates gains of historic national conference in Kwara State

Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, governor of Kwara State has canvassed stiffer penalties for importers of fake and substandard drugs in the country.

Speaking through his deputy chief of staff, Mr Leke Ogungbe at the historic national conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) held at Kwara Hotel, Ilorin on 18 April, Ahmed explained that the importance of his State is not lost on all.

“Aside having great pharma brands like Tuyil Pharmaceuticals, Bioraj Pharma, Peace Standard Pharmaceuticals among others, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was here last year to commission MAH Healthcare, a state of the art health institution.

“Let me also use this opportunity to advocate stiffer penalties for those bringing in fake and counterfeit medicines. In the meantime, this administration together with the cooperation of Kwara State pharmacists will continue to provide good and quality healthcare to my people,” he reassured.

Applauding the gesture of the governor, Pharm. Ignatius Anukwu, national chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) remarked that he shared the same view with the governor.

To further highlight the burgeoning nature of Kwara pharma industry, the NAIP helmsman added that it is heartwarming to note that all NAIP members in the State are manufacturers, not importers.

“However, I implore His Excellency (Gov Ahmed) to help allocate a parcel of land to build a secretariat for NAIP members in the State,” he admonished.

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the historic national conference, Anukwu noted that the four-day confab was designed to deliver three key objectives namely: to create an atmosphere free from distractions for industrial pharmacists to deliberate on pertinent topical issues around the theme of the conference; to create room for networking and recreation that would forge stronger bonds of camaraderie among his members and to expose younger generation of pharmacists and pharmacists-to-be to the workings of NAIP.

In a related development, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has sent a goodwill message to the leadership of the association.

Speaking through the national secretary, Pharm. Emeka Duru, Yakasai lauded NAIP for a successful national conference being the first time such would be hosted outside Lagos after 41 years.

The four-day conference featured a welcome cocktail, courtesy visit to Kwara State governor, excursion to Esie Museum, presentation of awards, and a walk against fake drugs led by Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, wife of the State governor.

Among dignitaries who attended  the historic national conference were : Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, director general, NAFDAC; Pharm. Peter Iliya, deputy director, public relations, Pharmacists Councils of Nigeria (PCN); Dr Obalolu Ojo, former NAIP chairman; Pharm. Ade Popoola, managing director, Reals Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Gbenga Falabi, immediate past president, NAIP; Pharm. Emma Ekunno, former managing director, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Michael Heavens, chairman, conference planning committee and Pharm. Chinedu Nwuliu, 2^nd national vice chairman, NAIP.

Others included Dr Matthew Okedare, deputy speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly; Pharm. Lasisi Durowoju, chairman, NAIP (Kwara Chapter); Pharm. Gbenga Bambe, technical director, Tuyil Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Emeka Adimoha, superintendent pharmacist, Shalina Healthcare; Mrs Roseline Ajayi, deputy director, Kwara State coordinator, NAFDAC; Kishin Murjani, managing director, Biomedical Limited and Dr Kamaldeen Abu-saeed, superintendent pharmacist, Peace Standard Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.

Following the alleged failure of the Federal Government to meet up with the Memorandum of Terms of Settlement, which was signed with the health workers under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) in September 2017, the body has directed all health workers nationwide to down tool by 18 April, if the government does not redeem her pledge with them.

The National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Biobelemoye Joy Joshua, issued the directives on Monday 16 April, at a press conference, organised by the group at the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, National Secretariat, Ayuba Wabba House, Abuja.

Joshua who recalled their previous meeting with the government noted that JOHESU suspended her last nationwide strike action on 30 September, 2017, after the signing of the Memorandum of Terms of Settlement, which was to be implemented within five weeks after the date of suspension of the strike.

He however noted that it was shocking that the six months after the suspension of the strike, the Federal Government is yet to do anything tangible over the pending issues, especially on flagship issue of CONHESS adjustment and payment of arrears of CONHESS 10 skipping.

It was on this note he stated thus: “Consequent upon this, therefore, JOHESU has no other choice than to proceed on an indefinite nationwide strike action as from midnight of Tuesday, 17 April ,2018, when the 30-working day is expected to expire”.

Some of the other issues the group is demanding are:

1. The upward adjustment of CONHESS salary scale
2. Arrears of skipping of CONHESS 10
3. Employement of additional health professionals
4. The implementation of court judgements
5. Upward review of retirement age from 60-65

Scores of Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to subsidise healthcare services in the health sector.

Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the issue in Abuja decried the outrageous amounts being demanded by both public and private health facilities.

They urged for both private and public hospitals to allow unfettered access to healthcare services by citizens.

Mr Sunday Davies, an Abuja based businessman, said that accessing health facilities was now a burden to the people, adding that the humongous bills being handed down to patients was getting scary.

According to him, one needs to think twice before seeking medical help in any health facility in the country now because of high charges.

Davies therefore called on the federal government to heavily subsidise the healthcare services  as done in the oil sector, adding that this is the only way the citizenry could benefit from the government.

Mr Abubakar Kabiru, an Abuja based legal practitioner, said it was ridiculous that Nigerians had to pay heavily to access healthcare, adding that this service should be the right of every Nigerian.

He noted that in developed countries, irrespective of social status, every citizen has the privilege and the right to good health; hence, the federal government must prioritise the health sector to be made accessible to the people.

Mrs Boma Azuwata, a civil servant, lamented the fate of pregnant women in the country, adding that it is regrettable that poor pregnant women had to suffer untold hardship to access affordable health facility.

According to her, the rate at which pregnant women die daily in the country because of ridiculous bills is disturbing and the government must do enough to stop this menace.

Meanwhile, Professor Mike Ogirima, President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has also appealed to the government to subsidise the healthcare  services in order to allow all Nigerians access to health facilities.

He noted that irrespective of status and money the citizenry should be allowed to access health facilities without any hindrance.

Ogirima said that in an ideal society, healthcare services should be prioritised and given the needed attention by the government.

“A situation where accessing health facilities would be the exclusive right of the rich was unacceptable,’’ said the NMA president.

NAN

Information emerging from the high-powered Regional Meeting of WHO, GAVI– the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and other partners in Abuja, Nigeria, indicated that Nigerians and other Africans, from Yellow fever endemic countries, will soon be free from the grip of the Yellow fever by 2026.

The good news came up as the world health giants- WHO, GAVI– the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and more than 50 health partners, threw their weights behind a new campaign tagged “Eliminate Yellow fever Epidemics (EYE) in Africa”, which was newly introduced by the WHO Director General, Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tedros; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso  Adewole; and partners at a regional meeting in Abuja, on Tuesday 10 April, 2018.

Speaking through a press statement sent from the conference, Dr Tedros decried the elevated risk of Yellow fever outbreak facing the world as a whole, and African communities in particular, noting that it is of great concern to world health leaders, as they have come together to strategise on how to eradicate the disease.

He said: “The world is facing an increased risk of Yellow fever outbreaks and Africa is particularly vulnerable. With one injection we can protect a person for life against this dangerous pathogen. This unprecedented commitment by countries will ensure that by 2026, Africa is free of Yellow fever epidemics.”

Dr Tedros also explained the roles of various partners in the preventive strategic campaign to end Yellow fever in Africa, stating that GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance has worked consistently to improve the quality and availability of vaccines to endemic countries, while UNICEF will join in ensuring availability of vaccines for children immunization as well as promote political support for countries with outbreaks.

According to the CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr Seth Berkley, “This comprehensive, global strategy offers an unprecedented opportunity to end the devastating Yellow fever epidemics that periodically impact Africa. Ensuring that the most vulnerable communities have access to the vaccine through routine systems plays a central role in making this happens.

Vaccine manufacturers and Gavi partners have worked hard to improve the global vaccine supply situation in recent years to make sure there is enough vaccine to respond to outbreaks, allow preventive campaigns and that routine immunization functions at full capacity.”

The document highlighted the three objectives of the strategy to include: protecting at-risk populations through preventive mass vaccination campaigns and routine immunization programmes, preventing international spread, and containing outbreaks rapidly. Developing strong surveillance with robust laboratory networks is key to these efforts.

The release disclosed that during the three-day EYE strategy regional launch meeting, which commenced in Abuja on Tuesday, to run till Thursday, representatives from key African countries, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and other partners will be developing a roadmap on how to roll-out the EYE strategy at national level. This implementation effort follows the endorsement of the strategy by African Ministers of Health at the 67th WHO regional committee in September 2017.

For the UNICEF’s Chief of Health, Stefan Peterson, the campaign is critical to saving children’s lives, and would go a long way toward stamping out this disease, because majority of people affected are children. “Today, the threat of Yellow fever looms larger than ever before, especially for thousands of children across Africa. Given that almost half of the people to be vaccinated are children under 15 years of age”.

The statement recalled several outbreaks of the disease in the past, and the ongoing outbreaks, with the fatality recorded from it so far.

“After outbreaks of Yellow fever in densely populated cities in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo caused 400 deaths in 2016, the acute viral haemorrhagic disease re-emerged as a serious global public health threat. Brazil is currently battling its worst outbreak of Yellow fever in decades with more than 1,000 confirmed cases.

However, the ease and speed of population movements, rapid urbanization and a resurgence of mosquitoes due to global warming have significantly increased the risk of  Yellow fever outbreaks in urban with international spread”, it revealed.

Poised to establish the impact of regular Facebook usage on users’ health, researchers from University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia — led by Prof. Eric Vanman, have found that frequent usage of Facebook could raise users’ stress levels.

The study, published in the Journal of Social Psychology explained how previous researchers have found that quitting the social media network can drastically lower your stress levels.

To commence the investigation, the team led by Prof. Vanman, a senior lecturer at the university’s School of Psychology, formed two groups of regular users of the social network, consisting of 138 participants. While one group was asked to stay off Facebook for five days, the other group participants continued their regular usage.

The study, as reported on Medical News Today, collected saliva samples from the groups participants before the experimentation and after the intervention, for the measurement of their stress levels, which will be revealed by the stress hormone, cortisol.

According to Prof. Vanman, “Taking a Facebook break for just 5 days reduced a person’s level of the stress hormone cortisol.”

Cortisol is known to soar when a person is stressed. In fact, the hormone is considered to be the key player in stress, regulating how our body responds to it”.

He further explained that too much cortisol can compromise our immune system, making us more vulnerable to infections, impairing our memory, and predisposing us to obesity, among other things.

Other negative effects of chronic exposure to cortisol over prolonged periods of time may include “impaired cognition, decreased thyroid function, and accumulation of abdominal fat, which has implications for cardiovascular health”, he stated.

While a reduction on the social media platform engagement or total withdrawal may reduce your stress level, as found by the study, it was also discovered that staying away from Facebook might make you sadder — at least in the beginning.

As Prof. Vanman remarked “While participants in our study showed an improvement in physiological stress by giving up Facebook, they also reported lower feelings of well-being.”

“People said they felt more unsatisfied with their life, and were looking forward to resuming their FB activity.”

Prof. Vanman speculates on what may have led to these results. He says, “People experienced less well-being after those 5 days without Facebook — they felt less content with their lives — from the resulting social disconnection of being cut off from their friends on the platform.”

“Abstaining from Facebook,” continues Prof. Vanman, “was shown to reduce a person’s level of cortisol, but people’s own ratings of their stress did not change — perhaps because they weren’t aware their stress had gone down.”

The team however acknowledged the renowned platform as a veritable tool of interaction for millions users across the globe, which obviously enhances intercontinental communication, and offers more benefits for users. Still, due to the plethora of social information it conveys about large network of people, its poses a danger of information overload to users.

The Takeaway from this study is, in as much as Facebook is recognised as an essential platform for social networking, quitting the platform may not be the best option, rather, users  can control their activities on it, to ensure maximum result and best health output.