(By R. Sharp)

Circulatory problems do not begin in a day. In other words, you could call the heart a very patient organ, which can take years of abuse and when it cannot take it anymore, breaks out with symptoms.

At the outset, we need to remember that poor circulation is an outcome of certain lifestyle choices which we make which are detrimental to our health. Coupled with these are factors like imbalanced diet and lack of physical exercise. All these factors lead to fatty deposits on the arterial walls, which, when hardened, are called plaques. These plaques then block or create obstructions to the smooth passage of blood to and from the heart.

Plaques take a long time to be formed; that is the reason, we find circulatory problems affecting the elderly more often than they affect children. Our food habits also add to an unhealthy build-up of cholesterol which may increase the viscosity of the blood, which again creates anomaly in the smooth flow through arteries and veins.

Since the circulatory system covers our entire body, the problems can also be manifested in numerous ways. For instance:

The brain – Our brain receives 20 per cent of the blood circulated in our body. With a drop in the flow, our brain functions sub-optimally, resulting in feeling lethargic, loss of memory, lack of mental clarity, etc. Frequent unexplained headaches and sudden attacks of dizziness are also seen as symptoms of poor blood circulation to the brain.

The heart – When poor blood circulation affects the heart, the symptoms would be chest pain, high blood pressure and rise in the level of cholesterol. Difficulty in performing any common task, like climbing stairs; walking a stretch could make you very tired and breathless.

The liver – When you suffer from lack of appetite or experience sudden weight loss and your skin looks lustre-less, it is quite possible that your liver is getting ‘sluggish’ and these are the early symptoms of poor blood circulation to the liver.

The kidneys – This organ plays an important role in regulating and monitoring our blood pressure other than eliminating the waste and excess water from our bodies. When poor blood circulation affects the kidneys, we notice swelling of hands, feet and ankles, rise in blood pressure, altered heart rate and we feel tired all the time.

The limbs – Poor blood circulation can have serious impact on our arms and legs. We can experience sudden numbness of our hands, feet and fingers or suffer painful leg cramps. Symptoms of serious blood circulation problems can be varicose veins or a condition called cyanosis – which is when part of our skin turns blue or black due to lack of adequate oxygen to the concerned tissues.

Sex drive – Poor blood circulation can affect our reproductive organs as well. The symptoms are lack of sex drive and fatigue. Symptoms would also include lack of vitality. Serious blood circulation problems could also make one impotent.

Source:www.healthguidance.org

Emeritus professor of Chemistry, Joseph I. Okogun, has said that for Nigeria’s indigenous herbals to be fully harnessed for the improvement of health care delivery, production of drugs from active principles is no longer an option but a necessity.

Okogun, who spoke extensively during the public lecture organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, on 28 January, 2015, called on all scientists, including biologists, chemists, pharmacologists and clinicians in the country to form a formidable team for the formulation of drugs from active principles on a large scale.
Speaking on the topic, “Drug Production Efforts in Nigeria 2: Anti-Cancer Remedies Emerge through Herbs, Chemistry and Biology”, the erudite don asserted that a smooth collaboration could enhance the development of some natural drugs as well as their formulation into prescribed drugs, with the use of the country’s plant extracts.
Okogu chided Nigerian scientists for their negative behaviour towards the efforts of herbal practitioners in the country, noting that such actions would not lead to the development of the health care sector.
He said it was high time researchers supported traditional practice by assisting in standardising the practice through clinical trials and other activities that would promote indigenous plants resources.
Analysing the manufacturing capabilities of the country, the renowned scholar said the country had, among other things, availability of human resources; presence of active principle isolation in over 99 per cent purity; extensive documentation by FDA and NAFDAC; as well as intellectual property protection and maintenance, which make the formulation of local herbal drugs a huge possibility.
He explained further that local manufacturers would be doing themselves and the nation a great disservice, if they persist in importing active principles, rather than utilising local medicinal plants, which can play better roles in the body chemistry of the populace.
Citing the example of a medicinal plant in Nigeria called gedunin, as published in Research Gate with the title: “An unprecedented gedunin rearrangement reaction converts a methyl group into the methylene group of a cyclopropyl ring”, he said the plant has several medicinal and commercial values, as indicated by the publication.
“Some of the activities of gedunin, when tested in the laboratory showed the following medicinal activities: anti-ovarian cancer, anti-colon cancer, anti-malaria, anti-allergy, and insecticides”, he listed.
In his own remarks at the event, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, urged the federal government to give science the priority it deserves in the country. He said there was need to fund and develop drug researches, to reduce the burden of diseases and save many Nigerians.
“With the significant changes taking place in the country, science has not fared well, even with all the steps taken,” he observed. “The federal government should invest in basic science and drug researches to support the growth of the drug industry and other manufacturing industries. This initiative will encourage indigenous drug makers to take bold, strategic steps in local drug production and, in effect, spur the growth of the industry in Nigeria,”
President of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) Chief Omon Oleabhiele, also contributed by making a comparison between China and Nigeria, stating that if the Chinese could succeed on their native medicine of Acupuncture, which was initially kicked against by the World Health Organisation, then Nigerian scientists were inexcusable for not harnessing their local herbs for the development of drugs for their citizens.
He further mentioned that if government could allow traditional doctors to record the experiences of patients who were successfully treated with native herbs and became well, it would serve as a good platform for clinical trials, a development that would accord local traditional medicines global recognition.

Distinguished pharmacist, scholar and researcher, Prof. Abayomi Sofowora, former Chairman of WHO Regional Expert Committee on Traditional Medicine is dead.

Sofowora died on 22 January, 2015 after a brief illness. Prior to his death, the erudite pharmacist had lectured Pharmacognosy for over 45 years. He spent 40 year in the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (October 1967–December 2007). He was head of the Drug Research Unit; Head of Department of Pharmacognosy and dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy. He also served as consultant to WHO, OAU (now AU), UNDP, UNIDO, ADB, ECA and TCDC.

From February 2010 to January 2013, Sofowora was visiting professor to the University of Maiduguri. He spent another two years as adjunct professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy, Delta State University, Abraka.

Speaking on his passing, Prof. Fola Tayo, pro-chancellor, Caleb University described the late don as a luminary and great teacher of Pharmacognosy.

“He came back very active after his training at University of Nottingham. Sofowora was a frontliner in the 1970s. In Ife (OAU), he remained committed and trained quite a number of students,” Prof. Tayo said, adding that, “Sofowora represented so many things – from Fagara project to his mark in sickle cell treatment.”

Prof. Paul Akubue, retired vice chancellor of Madonna University, Port Harcourt, Anambra State told Pharmanews that the news came to him as a shock.

“Honestly, I am still in shock. He was such an active researcher, very much involved in traditional research. Even though I wouldn’t be able to say much about him, I can tell you that we were contemporaries and travelled together on a couple of occasions. This is quite painful!” he lamented.

In his own remarks, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, publisher of Pharmanews, described the death of the celebrated don as a great loss to the pharmacy profession and the entire academic community.

“Professor Sofowora devoted his life to academic pursuit and fully served at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,” Atueyi said.”The inauguration of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy last year offered him the opportunity to share his wealth of experience on academies and constitutional issues. His exit reminds us that death is the lot of mortals and all we need to do is live right while there is life and fulfill our destiny.”

Also commenting on the sad event, veteran pharmacist and Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Pharm. Godfrey Obiaga, noted that Sofowora would be greatly missed by the scientific community and the nation as a whole.

“He was a great teacher. Many students of Pharmacy passed through him, one way or the other. He will be greatly missed, but we cannot question God,” he stated.

While praying for the family of the deceased for consolation and fortitude, Obiaga equally challenged fellow pharmacists to sustain the legacies of the departed icon.

“Pharmacists must honour him greatly and do what we can to build upon what this great pharmacist started,” Obiaga enthused.

As reward for his selfless service to pharma research and the community at large, he was honoured with special recognitions, including Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (FNAP), Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), Fellow of the West African College of Pharmacy, Great Achievers Award of Obafemi Awolowo University, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Pharmacognosy (FNSP) and an award by the Sickle Cell Association of Nigeria, Ibadan.

In view of the unending strike actions in the health sector, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged members of the public not to resort to self-medication and arbitrary consumption of local herbs.

Speaking exclusively with Pharmanews, ACPN chairman, Pharm. (Alhaji) Ismail Adebayo, explained that the association was fully aware of the sufferings experienced by patients and their loved ones during industrial actions such as the recently suspended strikes by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

“Whenever we have issues like this, you discover that patients will always seek alternatives. Some are forced to visit hospitals and that can be very expensive. Secondly, the quality of the service, especially when it comes to pharmaceutical care, will be poor”, Adebayo said.

“Besides we know that most private hospitals don’t even have pharmacists. And by virtue of that, it is going to affect the quality of health care delivery that will be given to the citizens,” he added.

The ACPN chairman however noted that the most worrisome fallout of health workers’ strikes is the number of people who resort to self-medication, which could be dangerous for them.

“As the national chairman of ACPN, what we preach when we see patients is proper enlightenment and education on what to do. But how many of them can afford even the consultation fees that private hospitals charge? Consequently, they may resort to self-medication. What can we do? One thing is for pharmacists to give advice, another thing is for people to take to it,” he remarked.

According to Adebayo, self-medication is not limited to those who use local herbs, but also those using cheap and substandard medicines because they cannot afford to visit private hospitals or pharmacies during strikes.

“Of course, we know how much it takes to treat ordinary malaria in this country. By virtue of this, I will implore the government to look at this matter holistically,” Adebayo urged.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), after several dialogues with the federal government, was compelled to call off its 55 days strike on 25 August, 2014. According to a communiqué released to announce the Call-off, the decision was based on current challenges in the country.

Similarly, the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), embarked on strike on 12 November, 2014 over non-implementation of the agreement entered into by the government, which bordered mainly on issues of improved welfare for health workers. The strike was eventually suspended on 2 February 2015. This was sequel to a meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and JOHESU during which salient issues regarding the grievances of the union were discussed.

          A capacity development workshop that inspires and equips health professionals for efficient and productive service delivery is essential in achieving sustainable outcomes. For 21 years now, Pharmanews Ltd has offered training and consult ancy services to health care personnel in Nigeria. The company is accredited by the Centre for Management Development (CMD) as a management training institution. Our programmes have benefited pharmacists, doctors, nurses, medical laboratory technicians, pharmacy technicians, distribution managers, store officers, and other health care practitioners.

We do request that you nominate/participate in the upcoming training workshop for the course below.

COURSE:         HEALTH CARE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Date:                 Tuesday 24 – Wednesday 25 March, 2015

Time:                 9:00am – 4:00pm

Venue:            Pharmanews Training Centre, 8, Akinwunmi Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos

Target Participants: Health care entrepreneurs, community pharmacists, doctors, managers and executives of NGOs and HMOs.

Course Contents:

• Elements of Business Plan Development
• Business Financing and Cash Management
• Elements of the Emerging Wellness Industry
• Essentials of Health Care Marketing
• Leading Effective Organizational Development Strategies
• Comparative Study of Global Health Care Entrepreneurship Models

Course Objectives:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the processes and considerations involved in developing a viable business plan for a health care organisation.
• Identify and apply strategies for achieving effective business financing and cash management.
• Understand the emerging wellness industry and position their organisation for optimum contribution and profitability.
• Understand the elements of health care marketing, ethical issues in health care entrepreneurship and modalities for an effective marketing drive.
• Develop the necessary skill-set and attitude required to lead an effective organisational renewal and development strategy.
• Learn global best-case models for driving health care entrepreneurship ventures.

Registration:

Registration fee is N50, 000 per participant before 24/02/2015 and N55, 000 after 24/02/2015. On-site registration of N55, 000 could also be made at the workshop venue.

Registration fee covers tea break, lunch, workshop materials and certificates ONLY.

Group discounts: 3 – 5 participants: 10%,   6 and above participants: 15%

 Cancellation: For cancellation of registration fee, 90% of the fee will be refunded, if cancelled at least seven (7) days to the workshop and this information communicated to us by sms or email, using: info@pharmanewsonline.com. There will be no refund if cancelled thereafter.

Method of Payment:

Participants should pay into Pharmanews Ltd account in Zenith Bank Plc (A/c No. 1010701673) or Access Bank Plc (A/c No. 0035976695) and send their full names and bank deposit slip numbers by sms or email to Pharmanews Ltd.

For further information, please contact:

Cyril Mbata                                –  +234 706 812 9728

Nelson Okwonna                         –  +234 803 956 9184

Ernest Salami                           –   +234 703 986 8837

Elizabeth Amuneke                     –   +234 805 723 5128

Chairman of Bioresources Development Group (BDG), Professor Maurice Iwu, has stated that integration of scientific components to empirical information, as well as initiating motivation for herbal practitioners, is key to bridging the gap between the development of local herbs and pharmaceuticals.

Iwu, who co-hosted HerbFEST 2014, a conference on herbs, health foods and natural products in Lagos, noted that there were two different industries in the production of herbal medicines, the local herbal industry and the phytomedicine industry. He assured that the problem of authentication and standardisation was being resolved by NAFDAC, urging practitioners to submit their products for verification in due time, as some approved natural products were already in the market.

He however decried the non-availability of Level 4 Biosafety Laboratory in the country, saying this had caused a whole lot of setbacks for researchers in the country, as they had to travel abroad to access the facility for research purposes.

“We can fight diseases with natural plants, but the challenge is that we don’t have Level 4 Biosafety Laboratory in the country and that is a critical factor, because there are leads but no laboratories; the work being done is done with foreign laboratories system.”

The optimistic BDG’s boss however mentioned that plans were on the way to develop a local biosafety laboratory. He said the researchers would, in the meantime, continue to collaborate with nations who have the laboratories for the job, stressing that the development of a Level 4 Biosafety Laboratory will be in the near future.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Abdul Bulama called on researchers, entrepreneurs, traditional medicine practitioners, and other stakeholders in the health sector to intensify efforts towards promoting and improving indigenous bioresources, natural medicine knowledge, natural products resources ,as well as initiating means of connecting these resources to the wellbeing of the citizens.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop, “Herbs, Health Foods, Herbal and Natural Products: Shifting the Boundaries of Health Care”, Dr Bukama said it was very relevant at such a time as this, when the government is aiming at using all available resources of the nation to improve on the welfare of citizens.

He described HerbFEST as a laudable initiative which had potentials to promote the production of healthy indigenous foods and herbal therapies that would assist in addressing local and global food nutrition and health challenges, encourage sustainable utilisation of local biological resources, facilitate conservation of local environment, and assist in job and wealth creation to the nation through industrial expansion, commerce, science, technology and innovation.

Bulama, who was represented by Dr Menesa Gwoza, noted that Nigeria possesses about 40 per cent of medicinal plants. He assured that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology would continue to provide a credible platform for the development of indigenous natural resources, as well as support innovative research to assist in developing herbal resources research and development outputs, which would ultimately contribute to job and wealth creation and also improve the lives of the people.

In his own contribution, Director General of NNMDA, Dr T.F. Okujagu, who is a co-host of the event, said the overall goal of HerbFEST was to showcase the rich biodiversity and investment opportunities of Nigeria and the West African sub-region to the world. He added that the event would equally enhance the patronage/recognition, productive capacity and income status of small producers of herbal and other natural products through a combination of market promotion, enterprise development, scientific session and training, and simultaneously promote trade and investment in the bio-business sector.

Okujagu further emphasised the uniqeness of HerbFEST 2014, stating that it was targeted at bridging the health gaps created by inefficient use of natural products, showcasing research and products used from nutrition to health and promoting the activities of traditional practitioners and community health workers. He said the event was also to stimulate investment in the herbal and natural products field and contribute to transforming the country by improving health care delivery, creating jobs, wealth and contributing to national socio-economic growth and development.

In her own contribution, Pharm. Ngozi James, executive director (BRG), noted that HerbFEST represents healthy and holistic medicine. “This acts as a platform to showcase the herbal products and orthodox medicine, bringing them together under one umbrella, bridging the gap between the two is our goal”, she stated.

Pharm. James further explained that gone were the days when people went about with the mentality that natural medicines were fetish and related to the occult.

“Most of the natural products are from natural plants. Enough of importing embarrassing products from China and India. We can develop our own natural plants. We are blessed and our bio-resources are enormous. It’s time to harness our biodiversities for the benefits of man. Showcasing what we have is enough to bring investors and encourage practitioners to do better”, she said.

 JANUARY

Pharmacy Plus Limited held its 2014 Annual National Sales Meeting at Solab Hotel & Suites, Ikeja, Lagos, on 24 January.

The Annual Distributors’ Reward Function of Ranbaxy Nigeria Limited was held at Amber Residence in Ikeja, Lagos, on 29 January.

 FEBRUARY

The National Executive Committee (NEC) and past presidents of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) paid a courtesy visit to recuperating Governor of Taraba State, Pharm. Danbaba Suntai on 11February

The Golden Jubilee anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, took place from 27 February to 2 March.

The loss of Pharm. Isaac William Osisiogu (Ogbuagu of Old Umuahia), a professor of Pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN) was announced on 8 February. He was aged 84.

The management and staff of LASUTH held a befitting retirement party for Dr Femi Olugbile, former chief medical director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and outgoing permanent secretary, ministry of health, Lagos State, at the Medical Research Centre Hall of LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos, on 28 February.

MARCH

Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu was conferred with an honorary Fellowship of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) at the college’s 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Scientific Symposium and 56th Council Meeting, held in Accra, Ghana from 10 to 14 March.

Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi was elected president of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy at the inaugural meeting of the academy, held at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, on 20 March.

Fidson Healthcare Plc won Pharmaceutical Company of the Year 2013 award, at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA), which was organised at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on 21 March.

Dr Patrick Lukulay, a Sierra Leonean author, officially launched his bestseller – “The Executive in You” – at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on 27 March.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State branch, held its 2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its Lagos office on 14 March.

APRIL

Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (Swipha) made history when the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared its manufacturing and laboratory facility as the first West African Pharmaceutical Company to be compliant with the WHO GMP on 2April.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) inducted 39 graduands from Madonna University at the school conference hall on 11 April.

The 9thAfribaby Babycare and Mothercare Expo took place at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos on 15 April.

•  The PSN announced the passing away of Pharm. Uford Inyang, former director general of National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID) on 22 April.

The Nigerian Medical Association held its Annual General Conference/Delegates Meeting in Benin City, Edo State, from 27April to 4 May.

 Reckitt Benckiser announced the 50th anniversary of Dettol during the scientific session of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Benin, Edo State,held on 27 April to 4 May.

MAY

UNILAG Faculty of Pharmacy held its 1st annual alumni lecture and luncheon in honour of the 2012/2013 graduating students at the Old Great Hall of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, on 5May.

The 2014 annual luncheon of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State branch, took place at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos on 4 May.

UNILAG Faculty of Pharmacy inducts 141 graduates at the New Great Hall, University of Lagos, Idi Araba on 8May.

Dr Ahmed T. Mora, dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University has launched two new books on pharmacy practice – The Contributions of Students and Alumni Associations in Promoting Pharmacy Education and Practice in Nigeria&The Lizard Shape Model in Drug Distribution in Nigeria at an event held at Arewa House, Kaduna on 17 May.

A 3-day workshop on “Effective Leadership in Health Care Delivery” was organised for doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other clinical professionals by Pharmanews Limited at its Training Centre in Maryland, Lagos from 20 to 22May.

The management of Seagreen Pharmaceuticals announced the passing away of their managing director, Pharm. James Ibeh (aged 54 years), who died on 20 May, after a brief illness.

SKG Pharma Limited rewarded its trade partners for their loyalty, at a function held at the De-renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on 21May.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) officially confirmed the appointment of Pharm. N.A.E. Mohammed as registrar of the Council,at its secretariat in Abuja on 28 May.

JUNE

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) hosted its 33rd Annual National Conference tagged “Harmony at Midland 2014” at the Cultural Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State from June 2 to 6.

Pharm. Kunle Amusan, a community pharmacist from Ibadan, Oyo State emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Ahmed Yakasai Community Pharmacy Practice Support Award held at the 33rd Annual ACPN National Conference in Ilorin, Kwara State on June 4.

The Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPS) paid a condolence visit to Dr. Paul Orhii, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the death of his predecessor, Prof. (Mrs) Dora Nkem Akunyili, who died in an Indian hospital on 7 June.

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc launched Norduet, a new antihypertensive product at its head office in Ikeja, Lagos on 11June.

The 8th edition of the Annual Heart & Soul Gala organised by Chike Okoli Foundation was hosted at the City Hall, Lagos Island, on 14 June.

The two-day Nigeria-Pakistan Pharma Investment Forum (NIPIF 2014) took place at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island from 16 to 17June.

Biofem Pharmaceuticals Limited launched Biobetic, a new anti-diabetic drug during a three-day training programme for its marketing staff at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) building, Alausa, Ikeja, on June 16.

The official inauguration of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAP) took place at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos on 26 June.

JULY

UNILAG Faculty of Pharmacy introduces White Coat ceremony into its academic calendar at the Old Great Hall of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), on 2 July.

University of Ibadan Faculty of Pharmacy inducts 40 graduands at a ceremony held in the school’s lecture theatre, on 3 July.

Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (Swipha) launched five new over-the-counter (OTC) products during an event at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos on 10July.

A 6-day international workshop on ‘Healthcare Financing & Innovation’ for healthcare professionals was organised by Pharmanews Limited in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,from 19 to 26 July.

Pharm. Simon Okey Akpa, managing director, SKG Pharma Limited, was elected chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) during its Annual General Meeting on 23July.

AUGUST

The 1stAnnual Scientific Symposium of the National Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) held at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, on 18August.

Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi and Pharm. Elijah Mohammed were honoured as Fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in Lagos on 28August.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) hosted its 2014 Annual Congress in Bangkok, Thailand in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage (PAT) from 31 August – 4 September.

SEPTEMBER

May & Baker Nigeria Plc, a foremost pharmaceutical company marked its 70th anniversary at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos on 11September.

The 17th Annual National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) took place at Welcome Centre & Hotels, MurtalaMuhammed International Airport Road, Isolo, Lagos on 11September.

The new bus procured for the Inspectorate by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) was unveiled at the 17th Annual National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) which held at Welcome Centre & Hotels, Isolo, Lagos on 11September.

Pharm. Tony Akhimien, Pharm. Azubike Okwor and Dr. (Pharm) Edward Agulanna were awarded fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in Warri on 15 September.

The 8th Annual Scientific Conference and Exposition of the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA), took place September from 18 – 21 in Orlando, Florida.

Sir (Pharm.) IfeanyiAtueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited was conferred with a Fellowship of the Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON) at Hotel Victoria Palace on 27 September.

UNIBEN Faculty of Pharmacy wins the maiden edition of Sir IfeanyiAtueyi National Essay & Debate Competition which took place in the school’s conference hall on 24 September.

OCTOBER

The 2014 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Fair and Luncheon was held at the Juhel Auditorium of UNIZIK, Awka, Anambra State, on 9 October.

World Wide Commercial Ventures Limited (WWCVL) rewarded its 78 Partners for their unflinching commitment at a function at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on 9 October.

The 2014 Annual Medic West Africa Exhibition held at the Eko Hotels, Lagosfrom October 15–17.

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) celebrated the 2014 Global Handwashing Day on 15 October at his National Office in Lagos.

May & Baker Nigeria Plc earned WHO GMP Certificate for its manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun state on 13October.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sanofi held training for officials of Ogun State Ministry of Health on “Advanced Care Clinical Leadership” from 21 to 22October.

Biofem Pharmaceuticals rewarded winners of its ‘Read to Lead’ promo at the company’s premises in Wemabod Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, on28October.

NOVEMBER

The 87th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) held in Uyo, AkwaIbom State, from 3 to 8 November.

Pharm (Mrs.) Margaret Obono, a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) was announced winner of the 10th edition of the May & Baker professional service award in Pharmacy at the 87th PSN Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on 7 November.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP)’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Advancement and Training (CePAT) honoured a former Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili (posthumously), and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Dr Stella Okoli on 8 November, at the Moevenpick Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

Mega LifeSciences Nigeria Limited launched prostacare for the treatment of mild to moderate BPH symptoms at the company’s Lagos office on 8 November

Sanofi, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company and Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) held a media parley to mark 2014 World Pneumonia Day (WPD) at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on 12 November.

As part of activities to mark 2014 World Diabetes Day, Biofem Pharmaceuticals organised a two-day free health screening exercise for the residents of Wemabod Estate, Ikeja, Lagos on 14 November.

Pharm. Regina Ezenwa’s not-for-profit organisation, Rose Ministry celebrated its annual Widows Day Programme at National Population Commission (NPC) secretariat in Surulere, Lagos, on 27 November.

DECEMBER

A three-day workshop on ‘Clinical Leadership: Driving Service Improvement’ was organised for pharmacists, doctors and other health care personnel by Pharmanews Limited from 2 to 4December

Emzor Pharmaceuticals 2014 annual thanksgiving party took at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on 6 December

• HealthPlus Pharmacy held its 7th annual thanksgiving dinner and awards ceremony at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on 15 December.

(By Oladipupo Macjob)

  Several researches have proven that communication does not only come verbally. As a matter of fact, nonverbal communication, also known as body language, reveals much more about the individual than just mere spoken words. It is not what is said, it is the way it is said. This also applies to the eyes – several nonverbal cues can be picked up, provided you are observant enough. These nonverbal cues tell a whole lot about people and actually reveal the real facts behind what is being probed. Therefore, it’s an important skill everyone, including pharmacists, should acquire. It is useful in all kinds of business transactions and even in domestic matters.

Eye signals are a vital part of being able to read a person’s attitude and thoughts.When people meet for the first time, they make series of quick judgements about others, based on what they see first, before making further judgements from what they hear. A study compared peripheral vision between men and women and it was observed that, at a distance of 18 inches from a woman, about 80 per cent of the men found it hard to describe her necklace except they moved their eyes down. So, at a distance of 18 inches, while maintaining eye contact, a man is not necessarily gazing through a woman’s body. The first look is just for gathering data; just by reflex.

Moral looking time

This concept was developed by Dr Ray Birdwhistell. He believes that a person can observe another’s eyes, face, abdomen, legs and other parts of the body for only so long before tension is created in both observers and observed.

Generally, the eye speaks volumes about what is going on in the mind of an individual. Sometimes one good indicator of deception is that a suspect maintains longer than usual eye contacts. Ability to read concealed emotions in the eyes is an important skill set.

Pupil insight

When someone becomes excited, the pupils can dilate up to four times their original size. Conversely, anger causes the pupils to contract to what is commonly referred to as “snake eyes”.

Eckhard Hess, a onetime H.O.D of the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago and pioneer of the studies of pupillometry, found that pupil size is affected by one’s general state of arousal. If a woman is attracted to a man, her pupils will be dilated at him.

Research has shown that when pornographic films are shown to men, their pupils dilate to three times their size. Most women’s pupils gave the greatest dilation when looking at pictures of mothers and babies. This is why the best-selling children’s toys almost always have oversized pupils.

Centuries ago, prostitutes put drops of belladonna, a tincture containing atropine into their eyes to dilate their pupils and make themselves appear more desirable.   There are some people however, who suffer from heterochromia i.e have a permanently dilated pupil and they constitute about 1 per cent of the population. So there is a need to get the baseline of the individual, while drawing inferences.

Eyebrow flash

The purpose of this is to draw attention to the face, so that clear signals can be exchanged. The only culture that considers eyebrow flash as impolite with definite sexual connotations is the Japanese culture.

Lowering the eyebrow in humans is a sign of aggression or to show dominance towards others, whereas raising the eyebrows shows submission. A good use of this eyebrow flash in any presentation before an audience does a lot of good to endear an audience to you. So if, as a medical representative or manager doing a clinical presentation, you make use of the eyebrow flash quite often during your presentation, you do not come across as aggressive. This is particularly useful to those whose faces are naturally ‘hard’.

Gaze behaviour

Michael Argyle, a pioneer of social psychology and nonverbal communication skills in Britain, found that when Westerners and Europeans talk, their average gaze time is 61 per cent, consisting of 41 per cent gaze time when talking, 75 per cent when listening and 31 per cent mutual gazing. It’s been found that the amount of eye contact in a typical conversation ranges from 25-100 per cent depending on who’s talking and what culture they are from.

When we talk, we maintain 40-60 per cent eye contact, with an average of 80 per cent eye contact when listening. The notable exceptions to this rule are Japanese and some Asian and South American cultures, where extended eye contact is seen as aggressive or disrespectful. Argyle found out that we often maintain more eye contact when listening than when talking. When the customer is not maintaining an acceptable eye contact with you, especially while you are trying to sell the benefits of your brand or product, there is definitely something to worry about.

To build a good rapport with someone else, your gaze should meet theirs about 60-70 per cent of the time, else it comes across as timidity. When two people meet and make eye contact for the first time, the subordinate person looks away first, but if you maintain gaze with your boss, it shows a clear message of disagreement or aggressiveness.

Men’s peripheral vision is far poorer than that of women. Which is why men sometimes have difficulty seeing things in the refrigerators, cupboards and drawers. Just at a distance of 18 inches from a woman, they can hardly tell what the colour of her shoes is, unless they shift their eyes to look down. Women don’t have this problem. Their peripheral vision extends to at least 45 degrees to each side above and below, which means she can appear to be looking at someone’s face while at the same time, she is inspecting their goods and chattels.

When a woman wants to get the attention of a man in a room, she will meet his gaze, hold it for two to three seconds, then look away and down. This gaze sends him a message of interest and potential submission.When a person’s gaze meets yours for more than two-thirds of the time, it is probably because he or she finds you interesting or appealing, in which case, he will also have dilated pupils; or on the other hand, he’s hostile toward you and could be issued a challenge, in which case, the pupils constrict.

Geography of the face

There are three basic types of gazing:

1. a) Social gaze: During social encounters, the gazers eyes look in a triangular area on the other persons face between the eyes and the mouth for about 90 per cent of the gaze time. This is the area of the face we look in a non-threatening environment.
2. b) The intimate gaze: When people approach each other from a distance, they look quickly between the other persons face and lower body to first establish what the gender of the person is and then a second time to determine a level of interest in them. In close encounters, it’s the triangular area between the eyes and the chest, and for the distant gazing, it’s from the eyes to the groin.

A woman’s wider ranging peripheral vision allows her to check out a man’s body from head to toe without getting caught. The male’s tunnel vision is why a man will move his gaze up and down a woman’s body in an obvious way.

c) The Power gaze

This gaze focuses between the front part of the head and the gap between the two eyes. By keeping your gaze directly at this area you keep the screws firmly on the individual. The pressure stays on them provided your gaze does not drop below the level of their eyes. Never use this kind of gaze in friendly or romantic encounters. It works on a person who you want to reprimand. The occasion should determine which kind of gaze we use or adopt, or else, we end up sending wrong signals and may likely be misunderstood.

Extended blinking

A normal relaxed blinking rate is about 6-8 blinks per minute and the eyes are closed for only about one-tenth of a second. People under pressure, for instance, when they are lying, are likely to dramatically increase their blinking rate. Extended blinking rate is an unconscious attempt by the person’s brain to block you from their sight because they have become bored or disinterested or feel they are superior to you. When the eyes dart from side to side, it’s the brains way of searching for an escape route as it were.

Research has shown that, of the information relayed to the brain in visual presentation, 83 per cent comes through the eyes, 11 per cent through the ears and 6 per cent through the other senses. It therefore means that a verbal presentation requires frequent repetition of key points to be effective. Use of visual aids is very effective and saves costs and energy.

The point is this, when doing a power point presentation; your audience follows better when your slides are more visual than when you have too many words written on the slide, except it is a quote. It’s worse, if you have to read almost 90 per centof the content to them while presenting. The question that will be on their mind is, why have they come to listen to you if you would still have to read all the slides to them?

Any opportunity you have to make a presentation before people is such an awesome privilege to influence lives, and you just cannot afford to mess things up. A clinical meeting badly presented is company money wasted. This is one of the areas many pharmaceutical companies are missing it, and it’s the major difference between consumer marketing and Pharma marketing. If lesser attention is paid to the messenger who is to deliver the message, it’s simply an error of judgment.

In our next edition we shall go further in looking at some other nonverbal cues through which we communicate or pick up nonverbal communication. Remember, whether you speak or not, your body does.

Experts and scholars in the pharmaceutical profession, including Prof. (Pharm.) Azuka Oparah of the University of Benin, have said that in order to provide drug therapy responsibly, pharmacists must take responsibility for identifying, preventing, and resolving drug therapy problems of patients in a consistent manner.

Prof. Oparah, who is a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), made his submission while delivering a keynote address on the topic, “Patient Safety Issue in Nigeria: The Community Pharmacists Perspectives”, at the Continuing Education Conference organised by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Branch, at NECA House, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, last December.

The university don stated that no medicine is absolutely safe, noting that every drug or medicine has two inherent qualities of benefits and risks.

“The decision to medicate is based on a balance of probability that the benefits of use outweigh the risks. The harm derivable from drugs varies from one agent to another. It is upon this risk stratification that national and international laws classify medicines into two main groups, namely, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and prescription only medicines (POM)” Oparah said.

Speaking further, Oparah explained that drugs in the class of prescription-only medicines (POM) do not have high safety margin, unlike the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, adding that in order to protect public health, decision to use them should not be left in the hands of the general public but a learned intermediary.

“Such medicines are to be dispensed by a registered pharmacist on the prescription of a doctor.Also, the manufacturers of such medicines owe a duty of care to communicate all known and potential inherent risks to the learned intermediary, who in turn, owes a duty of care to convey same information to the consumers,”he urged.

Prof. Oparah also stressed that the goal of pharmaceutical care is to assure the quality of the medication use process through collaborative efforts, adding that the decision to take medications should be based on the balance of probability that the benefits outweigh the risks and that pharmacists owe a professional obligation to guide members of the public to use OTC medicines responsibly.

In his goodwill message at the event, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), commended the Lagos State ACPN for choosing the theme, “Patient Safety Issues in Nigeria”, saying it was inconsonance with the goals of the National Drug Policy in Nigeria.

“What community pharmacists are simply saying is that they want to be in the vanguard of creating an environment whereby Nigerians will consume safe medicines at an affordable cost and accessible at alltimes, even in the remotest part of the country,” he said.

Akintayo also said pharmacists had been working with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in order to come up with a policy that would cover access to medicine as a human right, adding that the time had come for the country to get it right. He also urged community pharmacists and other technical arms of the PSN to keep supporting the NHRC and its mission.

Also, the duo of Registrar, Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, (PCN), Pharm. N.A.E Mohammed and Chairman, Lagos ACPN, Pharm. Aminu Abdulsalam Yinka, maintained that the patient is the major consideration in safety issues in healthcare, adding that what marks out health professionals is their focus on patient safety, not money-making.

Speaking further, Pharm Aminu disclosed that the Continuous Education Conference programme in Lagos has been consistent over the years because of the importance that the Lagos State ACPN places on knowledge and effective service delivery.

“There are new trends even in the management of ailmentsand in order to cope with these, we need to regularly update ourselves, so that we can make positive impacts in the lives of the public. The continuous education programme is a sine qua non in our policy, and in conjunction with the regulatory authority, it is also mandatory”.

Aminu noted that this year’s programme was approved by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) because of the consistency and quality over the years. He said a two–unit credit would be awarded to all pharmacists that attended the programme.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the event, Pharm. Deji Oshinoiki, commended the ACPN, which he described as the window to the pharmacy practice as well as forerunner of the practice, for being consistent in organising the programme every year.

“The world is changing, so also is health care practice; hence the need to consistently update our knowledge in order to meet up with what is going on around the world.And I am very happy that the programme has never failed to live up to expectations since inception”, Oshinoiki intoned.

Other dignitaries at the event include: Prof Anthonia Ogbera, one of the guest lecturers; Pharm. (Mrs) Joke Bakare, managing director, Medplus Pharmacy, also a guest lecturer; Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, national secretary (PSN); Pharm. Adeoye Afuye, national secretary (ACPN); Pharm. Madehin Gafar Olanrewaju; Pharm. Tony Oyawole; Pharm. Felix Anieh Felix; Pharm. Akintunde Obembe, among others

While reading the daily newspaper, Mrs Uche comes across an advert for Multivitamin Blood Tonic. She is informed that the product is available at Allen Pharmacy and immediately decides to purchase one when she goes shopping later in the day. On getting to the pharmacy, she sees the sales girl, Stella, who is busy attending to other customers. Mrs Uche picks up a shopping basket and proceeds to select the only bottle of Multivitamin Blood Tonic on the shelf, along with some baby food and household products.

Meanwhile, Stella receives a phone call. It is Madam Tinubu, her regular customer. Tinubu calls to enquire about the blood tonic. Stella confirms that there is one bottle left and promises to keep it for her. Fortunately, the price of the blood tonic can be deducted from a refund that Madam Tinubu was meant to have collected from the pharmacy earlier. Tinubu is happy about this and promises to pass by in the morning to pick up the blood tonic and the balance of her refund.

By the end of the call, Mrs Uche gets to the counter and offloads the contents of the shopping basket with the intention to pay. A serious argument erupts between the two ladies. Stella tries to explain that she has already sold the blood tonic to her regular customer. Mrs Uche, on the other hand, refuses to give up the product, having responded to an advert, driven all the way to the pharmacy and picked up the blood tonic from the shelf.

The question is, who has the legal right to this product?

In law, every business transaction is premised on a contract. A contract is defined as an agreement between two parties which is enforceable. For a contract to be valid there must have been an offer by one party and then an acceptance by the other. Commercial transactions would be problematic if there were no principles governing the conduct of business. The law of contract covers every field of human endeavour.

The scenario above raises some legal questions:

1. Are the elements of a contract present to make the transaction valid?
2. What constitutes an offer?
3. What distinguishes an offer from an invitation to treat?
4. At what point is the agreement for sale reached?

The foremost authority on Nigerian Law of Contract, Professor Sagay, defines an offer as “a promise made by one party with the intention that it shall become binding on the party making it, as it is accepted by the party to whom it is addressed.” An offer must be precise, leaving no room for speculation.

The offer may be expressly communicated or implied by action. Everyday in life, we engage in activities that constitute the making of offers: When we call for a newspaper from a vendor; when we get into a bus or taxi; when we drive into a petrol station to refuel or when we place an order for food at a restaurant. Each of these actions constitutes an offer to do business with another party.

However, for an offer to be capable of binding the person making it, the offer must be clear and final. If the act is a preliminary step taken towards making the actual offer, it is termed in law, an invitation to treat. In the classic case, Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co., the judgement held that when someone offers to negotiate, or issues advertisements that they have got a stock of books to sell (for instance), “there is no offer to be bound by any contract. Such advertisements are offers to negotiate – offers to receive offers.”

In the case at Allen Pharmacy, it is necessary to pinpoint exactly when a valid offer was made in the transaction. We have seen that a newspaper advertisement was published. It may be the view of some that such an advert constitutes an offer for sale of the specific product. Nevertheless, the law is very clear on this issue. The publication of the advert is merely an invitation to potential buyers to come and make offers for purchase. The advertiser reserves the right to reject offers from members of the public who respond to the advertisement.

In this case also, goods were displayed in the shop for the purpose of sale to buyers. It could be argued that the display of goods, in this manner, is an offer for sale which could be accepted, culminating in a valid transaction. On the contrary, in the case of Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain v. Boots Cash Chemists, it was held that “goods are merely displayed to enable customers to choose what they want and that the contract is not completed until the shopkeeper or someone on his behalf accepts the offer after the customer has indicated the articles he needs.”

It therefore means that the act of selecting a product from the shelf and presenting at the counter is itself the offer that is made. In a shop situation, it is the buyer that makes the offer and the seller that decides whether or not to accept.

In view of this, it was the act of the phone call from Madam Tinubu that constituted a valid offer for purchase. This offer was accepted, resulting in a contract. In conclusion, even though Mrs Uche had received an advertisement; gone to great lengths to make the purchase and actually picked up the product from the shelf, she had not made an offer at the time the phone call came through, leading to the sale. In essence, the blood tonic now belongs to Madam Tinubu who had made a valid purchase over the phone.

Principles and cases are drawn from Sagay: Nigerian Law of Contract

          … As Bioresources holds Herbfest 2014

For economic development to be a reality in the country, researchers, entrepreneurs, traditional medicine practitioners, and other stakeholders in the health sector, must strive to promote and improve on our indigenous bioresources, natural medicine knowledge, natural products resources as well as initiate means of connecting these resources for the wellbeing of the citizens, Dr. Abdul Bulama, minister of science and technology has said.

The minister, who was also the chairman at the Herbfest 2014, made this submission while addressing the audience at the opening ceremony of the 3-day international symposium, which took place at the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Vitoria Island Lagos, on November 25, 2014.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop titled : “Herbs, health foods, herbal and natural products: shifting the boundaries of health care”, he said it is very relevant at such a time as this, when the government is aiming at using all available resources of the nation to improve on the welfare of citizens.

He described Herbfest as a laudable initiative which has potentials to promote the production of healthy indigenous foods and herbal therapies that will assist in addressing local and global food nutrition and health challenges, encourage sustainable utilization of our vast biological resources, facilitate conservation of our environment and assist the creation of job and wealth creation to the nation through industrial expansion, commerce, science, technology and innovation development.

Bulama, who was represented by Dr. Menesa Gwoza noted that Nigeria possesses about 40 per cent of medicinal plants and assured that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to provide a credible platform for the development of these natural resources as well as support innovative research to assist in developing these herbal resources research and development outputs which will indeed contribute to create jobs, wealth and improve the lives of the people.

In his own contribution, Director General of NNMDA, Dr TF Okujagu, who is a co-host of the event, said the overall goal of Herbfest is to showcase the rich biodiversity and investment opportunities of Nigeria and the West African sub-region in general to the world and enhance the patronage /recognition, productive capacity and income status of small producers of herbal and other natural products through a combination of market promotion, enterprise development, scientific session and training and simultaneously promote trade and investment in the bio-business sector.

He emphasised the uniqueness of Herbfest 2014, stating that it is targeted on bridging the health gaps created by inefficient use of natural products, showcasing research and products used from nutrition to health and promoting the activities of traditional practitioners and community health workers as well as stimulate investment in the herbal, natural products field and contribute to transforming the country by improving healthcare delivery, creating jobs, wealth and contributing to national socio-economic growth and development.

The main host of the programme, Dr Maurice Iwu explained the essence of Herbfest, as an initiative to bridge the gap between the production of medicinal herbs and pharmaceutical products manufacturing. He acknowledged the fact that many researches have been done, but they are insufficient in quantity and quality to break the barrier frontiers, as there is no integration of scientific components to empirical information available.

The renowned scientist who spoke to pharmanews in an exclusive chat during the conference further said the other challenging aspect of natural medicine is the business component, as there are no many success stories of people making money from medicinal plants, thus there are no industry drivers. “This is why Herbfest now holds annually to motivate and drive inventors into the vast bioresources of our nation, thereby initiating economic growth through plants”.

On the issue of substandard herbal products in circulation, he said NAFDAC is doing a lot to check the activities of these unscrupulous men, by insisting that they submit their products for verification before they circulate in the market.