THE Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the three tiers of governments to encourage people to report illegal drug activities in their surroundings to prevent illicit drug factories.

Its Secretary, Mr Jonah Okotie, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

Okotie spoke against the backdrop of the arrest of four men alleged to have been   manufacturing fake drugs in Ikotun-Egbe, a suburb in Lagos.

“For all hands to be on deck, I will advise that governments should encourage citizens to report any unlawful action in their communities.

“Also, when these actions are reported, they should be attended to without delay, while also guarantee protection of the informants.

“Most times, our casual way toward work has been the reason for proliferation of these illegal factories.

“ So, it is important for everyone who is in government to realise that they are there to ensure that the system works.

“Let us do whatever little or much we can to ensure that we have a better healthcare system,’’ the association secretary said.

Okotie urged people to always patronise the government approved facilities for their drugs, where qualified personnel were stationed to administer drugs with directions on how to use them.

He urged the governments to provide necessary tools for the task force to work effectively, alleging that lack of capacity had been a factor militating against proper inspection.

Okotie told NAN that with proper monitoring, inspection and regulation, the rise in illegal drug factories would be minimised.

He stressed that poor regulation had provided the avenue for quackery to thrive.

Okotie urged governments to ensure first, a willing mind, sincere and commitment toward a better healthcare system that would be beneficial to all.

-NAN

BE

– Jan. 16, 2019 @ 16:10 GMT |