As part of efforts to sanitise the drug distribution channels in Lagos State, pharmacists have urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to replicate the Coordinated Wholesale Centre established in Kano State to help combat the issue of fake drugs.
The pharmacists, under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, believe that setting up a CWC in Lagos would address the challenges of drug abuse and the sale of counterfeit and expired medications.
Speaking at an event in Lagos on Wednesday to commemorate the 2024 World Pharmacists Day, themed “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs”, the pharmacists highlighted the need for such a centre in the state. World Pharmacists Day, observed annually on September 25, is organised by the International Pharmaceutical Federation to recognise and celebrate the crucial role of pharmacists in building healthier communities worldwide.
This year’s theme underscored the invaluable contributions of pharmacists as essential members of healthcare systems, emphasising their key role in addressing health needs within communities.
The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of PSN, Babayemi Oyekunle, in his address, noted that a centralised wholesale centre would help regulate drug distribution and ensure traceability.
Oyekunle said, “It is long overdue for Lagos State to have a Coordinated Wholesale Centre, just as Kano State now has.
This will enable us to trace every drug that enters the state, eliminating the sale of adulterated, substandard, and fake drugs, as we will be able to identify the sources of all medications consumed by the citizens of Lagos.”
He added, “Establishing this centre is crucial, as Lagos State has the highest population in Nigeria. Lagos should adopt global best practices. Worldwide, people can trace the sources of their drugs, but currently, in Lagos, we cannot trace the origins of our medications.”
Oyekunle also called on the Lagos State Government to implement the circulars on the consultancy cadre for pharmacists.
“It is noteworthy that all other six southwestern states have finalised the implementation of the Consultant Pharmacists Cadre, with Lagos State embarrassingly the only state where prevarication still prevails.
“Other demands, particularly the immediate implementation of the circular on the new entry point and other allowances for holders of Pharm.D, have become imperative. PSN Lagos State once again advises the Lagos State Government to expedite action on these and other outstanding agreements to avoid the seemingly inevitable labour unrest that may affect its health sector,” he said.
Corroborating his statement, the Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Tolulope Ajayi, stressed the importance of patient care in healthcare delivery, advocating for a holistic approach.
Ajayi called on the government to demonstrate the political will necessary to establish a CWC to regulate drug distribution.
“If we do not have a Coordinated Wholesale Centre, falsified drugs will continue to infiltrate our system unchecked,” he said.
He identified the absence of coordinated wholesale centres as a major factor contributing to the proliferation of illegal medicine stores in the country.