NAFDAC trains dealers on safe, quality medicines

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has trained patent and proprietary medicines dealers on identifying, avoiding, and reporting suspicious, substandard, and unregistered medicines.

Dr Festus Ukadike, NAFDAC’s South-East Zone Director, said the capacity-building workshop in Enugu on Wednesday was part of the agency’s Stakeholders’ Sensitisation for members of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicines Dealers (NAPPMEDS).

Ukadike stressed that medicine dealers were often the first point of contact for Nigerians, especially in rural areas, making their role crucial in ensuring access to safe and high-quality healthcare products.

He added that NAFDAC, which recently sustained a WHO maturity level 3 rating, would continue to ensure only efficacious and quality products reached consumers.

He also said the dealers were urged to adhere strictly to regulations and prioritize patient safety over monetary gains.

NAPPMED Section-A chairman Chief Oliver Ezemba, lauded NAFDAC for the training and called for more workshops to build knowledge and capacity among members.

Section-B chairman Mr Chuks Osuji, assured that his association would enforce zero tolerance for fake, substandard, and unregistered medicines while partnering with NAFDAC to maintain compliance.

Our correspondent reports that the programme includes presentations on post-market surveillance, good medicine storage and distribution practices, and NAFDAC’s e-registration process .