Pharm. Aminu Abdulsalam Yinka, a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and former chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Branch, has warned that Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse, fake medicines, and unregulated medicine sales will fail unless existing laws are enforced with clear intent and urgency. In this interview with Adebayo Oladejo, the experienced community pharmacist and founder, Kardinal Care-Fix Limited, Lagos, speaks on the dangers of open drug markets, the role of government and pharmacists in curbing drug abuse, and how Nigeria can strengthen local drug manufacturing and healthcare delivery. Excerpts:
Drug abuse remains a major public health concern in Nigeria. As a seasoned pharmacist, what practical steps do you think stakeholders should take to curb this menace?
Drugs have been a great benefit to mankind, but their misuse has become a major concern. Drug abuse happens when drugs are used habitually, not for treating an illness but to alter mood or consciousness. It is a self-damaging habit that can cause physical and psychological harm, even death.
Drug abuse is a global epidemic, but in Nigeria it is particularly dangerous. It plays a role in crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, child abuse, and school dropouts. Most drug users didn’t set out to become addicts. Often, it’s their environment – especially one where drugs are easily available -that leads them there.
In Nigeria, the chaotic drug distribution system has made dangerous substances accessible to anyone. Open drug markets and weak regulations have worsened the problem. Every stakeholder has a role. The government must fully enforce drug laws through regulatory agencies. Prescribers must be more cautious, especially with drugs that can be abused. These drugs should only be dispensed with prescriptions from licensed doctors. There also needs to be constant public education on the dangers of misuse.
The National Drug Distribution Guidelines, especially the ban on open market drug sales, must be fully implemented. Regulatory agencies must be empowered to act effectively.
Falsified and substandard medicines continue to flood the Nigerian market. What do you consider the most effective strategies to combat drug faking and counterfeiting?
The presence of fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria is not new. That’s why the government created the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act, which prohibits the sale of such products and established federal and state task forces to enforce it.
Despite this, fake drugs still dominate the market, as recent NAFDAC raids have shown. To reduce this, we must invest in local drug production. Over-reliance on imports weakens our control over what comes in. Full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines will help streamline the supply chain.
The open drug markets, which are the main channels for fake medicines, must be closed. Task forces must carry out regular enforcement. Without strong action, we will continue to lose the fight.
What role do safe, efficacious, and quality-assured medicines play in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system?
Medicines are the backbone of healthcare. When available and used rationally, they give credibility to the system. They cure, relieve pain, and reduce suffering. They also offer psychological comfort that supports preventive health behaviours and education.
Without safe, effective, and affordable medicines, any healthcare system is sterile. The government must collaborate with stakeholders to ensure consistent availability of quality medicines in Nigeria.
There has been a loud call for increased local manufacturing of essential medicines. What is your take on Nigeria’s readiness and the way forward?
Access to medicines remains a major challenge in many developing countries due to heavy dependence on imports. Nigeria has a large pharmaceutical market and the potential to meet its own drug needs, but our manufacturing capacity is still underutilized.
NAFDAC’s efforts to ban importation of drugs we can produce locally, and the “Five Plus Five-Year Validity” policy encouraging local manufacturing, are steps in the right direction. But more is needed.
Local manufacturers struggle with competitiveness. We need deliberate government policies such as low-interest loans, tax incentives, and zero tariffs on pharmaceutical raw materials. A pharmaceutical expansion fund to support factory upgrades and increase capacity is also necessary.
Community pharmacists are often the first point of contact for many Nigerians seeking healthcare. How can their roles be better harnessed to improve public health outcomes?
Community pharmacists are often the first healthcare professionals the public interacts with. Their accessibility makes them vital to the health system. They ensure patients get the right medications, explain usage, improve adherence, and monitor for side effects and drug interactions.
To better harness their role, community pharmacists should be fully integrated into the public health system. They should be certified as primary health care providers and empowered to offer immunisation, health education, and other preventive services. Their contribution can greatly enhance public health outcomes.
What message do you have for the general public on the importance of consulting licensed pharmacists and using medicines responsibly?
The public should always patronise registered community pharmacies. This ensures access to qualified professionals, genuine medicines, and valuable information about how to use those medicines properly. Responsible medicine use starts with speaking to licensed pharmacists.
