House Of Reps Directs Health Ministry To Combat Unregulated Drug Sales

House Of Reps Directs Health Ministry To Combat Unregulated Drug Sales

In a bid to address the rampant issue of indiscriminate drug sales across the nation, the House of Representatives has issued a directive to the Federal Ministry of Health to establish a prescription policy aimed at curbing the unregulated distribution of pharmaceuticals…..READ ALSO How Health Ministry Officials Mismanaged N5.7bn Donor Agency Fund — Senate

Emphasizing the importance of enforcing such a policy, the House called upon the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to take immediate action in closing down all illegal outlets vending pharmaceutical products, including open drug markets.

Furthermore, the Ministry was tasked with ensuring that only prescribed medications are dispensed to patients under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals, with stringent sanctions imposed on non-compliant pharmaceutical establishments.

In addition to these measures, the House urged key agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to collaborate on public awareness campaigns aimed at combating drug abuse.

To ensure compliance with these directives, the relevant House committees have been instructed to oversee the implementation of these measures, underlining the gravity of the issue.

These decisions stem from a motion titled “Need to Curb Indiscriminate Sale of Drugs and Lack of Adherence to Prescription Policy in Nigeria,” brought forward by Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action.

The House expressed deep concern over the lack of a prescription policy, which has resulted in the proliferation of unregulated drug vendors, contributing to antibiotic resistance and drug misuse.

Moreover, it noted alarming statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating a significant rise in drug abuse prevalence in Nigeria, underscoring the urgency of addressing this pressing public health issue.

By taking decisive action to regulate drug sales and promote responsible medication practices, the House aims to safeguard public health and combat the societal challenges associated with drug abuse.