NAFDAC Urges Imo Drug Dealers to Stop Selling Fake and Expired Medicines

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned medicine dealers in Imo State to stop selling fake and expired drugs. The warning was issued during a workshop in Owerri aimed at educating members of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED).

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Festus Ukadike, cautioned that prioritizing profits over safety can endanger lives. She stated that any product not registered with NAFDAC is considered fake. Adeyeye emphasized that commercial interests should never compromise public health.

She also pointed out several illegal practices in drug distribution, such as changing expiration dates and selling drugs from untrustworthy suppliers. The agency has strict rules against selling dangerous and unregistered substances, including high-dose tramadol and other banned products.

NAFDAC is using technology to track drug supply chains and will take action against vendors who break the law, including closing their businesses and prosecuting them. Dr. Cletus Agwu, an Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, highlighted the need for distributors to follow strict quality and storage guidelines.

Mrs. Helen Okanya, NAFDAC’s State Coordinator, discussed the importance of monitoring drug safety after they hit the market. She encouraged dealers to report any problems with medicines using NAFDAC’s digital MedSafety App.

Mr. Cyprian Okonkwo, the State Chairman of NAPPMED, praised NAFDAC for the workshop and promised to share the knowledge gained with local vendors. He emphasized the association’s commitment to working with NAFDAC to eliminate fake and expired drugs from the market.