NAFDAC Destroys Fake, Counterfeit Drugs Worth 1N Trillion.
The quest by the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to rid the country of fake products has yeilded fruits as the agency has destroyed defective products seized from warehouses worth over a trillion naira.
The effort is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
The exercise, which took place at the Anambra State Waste Management Authority Dump Site, is a testament to the agency’s commitment to eliminating substandard drugs from circulation and protecting the public from the dangers of fake and illicit substances.
The sheer volume of counterfeit products seized during the one-month enforcement exercise is alarming, with over 100 40-foot containers of fake drugs removed from markets in Onitsha and Aba.
The presence of banned substances like Analgin and controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg highlights the serious security risks these items pose to the country. The fact that these substances can destabilize a country and have a clear correlation with insecurity underscores the gravity of the situation.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the agency was committed to ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and wholesomeness of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks for human consumption.
The destruction of these counterfeit products is a significant milestone in this effort, and Adeyeye reassured Nigerians that only authentic and effective medicines are now available in the market.
Millions of lives have been saved by this action, and the agency’s efforts have prevented the potential harm that these counterfeit products could have caused. The economic implications are also significant, with the total value of the destroyed products estimated to exceed one trillion naira.
The agency charged Nigerians that “If you see something, say something,” which they said was a crucial step in preventing the circulation of substandard drugs. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious drugs, and this collaborative effort between NAFDAC and the public will help to ensure that the markets are free from counterfeit products.
The destruction of these counterfeit products also highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and the public. The fight against counterfeit products requires a multi-faceted approach, and NAFDAC’s efforts must be supported by all stakeholders.
In the long term, this exercise will have a positive impact on the healthcare system in Nigeria. By eliminating substandard drugs from circulation, NAFDAC is helping to prevent the spread of diseases, reduce the risk of adverse reactions, and promote public health. The agency’s efforts will also help to boost confidence in the healthcare system, as citizens can trust that the medicines available in the market are safe and effective.
Furthermore, this exercise serves as a deterrent to those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit products. The destruction of these products and the estimated loss of over one trillion naira will likely have a significant impact on the illegal trade, making it less lucrative and less appealing to those involved.
The destruction of counterfeit, substandard, and fake pharmaceutical products by NAFDAC is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. The agency’s commitment to eliminating substandard drugs from circulation and promoting public health is commendable, and the impact of this exercise will be felt for a long time to come. As NAFDAC continues to work towards a safer and healthier Nigeria, it is essential that all stakeholders, including citizens, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies, support and collaborate with the agency to achieve this goal.
