The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a steering ommittee to develop a National Prescription Policy to fight antibiotic resistance and promote appropriate use of medicines.The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa made this disclosure on Tuesday through his “X” account.
According to him, the prescription policy will include standardised prescription forms to minimise misuse of drugs and improve monitoring within the healthcare system of the country. It also seeks to ensure healthcare workers adhere to rational prescribing and dispensing practices in the course of their duties.
This initiative, he said, is in line with the National Drug Policy's third edition which emphasises the rational use of medicines, patient-centred care, and integrating traditional and modern healthcare practices. It also underlines the need for vigorous regulatory frameworks to combat counterfeit and substandard drugs.
“This new prescription policy initiative reflects these goals, aiming to meet the country's evolving healthcare needs and challenges.
“The National Drug Policy has undergone several revisions since its inception, each iteration reflecting the evolving healthcare needs and challenges of the country.
“The first edition, introduced in the late 1980s, focused primarily on ensuring the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines”, he explained.
He stated further that over the years, subsequent editions have expanded to address issues such as drug quality, supply chain management, and the regulation of pharmaceutical practices.
Dr Alausa noted that that the third edition of the National Drug Policy, under which the current prescription policy initiative falls, emphasises the rational use of medicines, patient-centred care, and the integration of traditional and modern healthcare practices.
“It also underlines the need for vigorous regulatory frameworks to combat the rise of counterfeit and substandard medicines.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR's Vision for the country is to ensure every Nigerian is healthy and has access to safe and affordable medicines. With this policy,we are one step closer,” Tunji Alausa stated.
The steering committee, he disclosed, is expected to finalise the policy framework by the end of the year, with implementation set to begin the following year.
