Pharmacists in Lagos State, represented by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria’s local chapter, are calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to establish a Coordinated Wholesale Centre similar to the one in Kano State.
This initiative aims to tackle the issue of fake drugs and improve the drug distribution network in the state. The pharmacists made this plea during an event held in Lagos to mark the 2024 World Pharmacists Day themed “Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs.”
World Pharmacists Day, celebrated annually on September 25, recognizes the vital role pharmacists play in promoting health in communities worldwide. This year’s theme underscores the essential contributions pharmacists make to healthcare systems and their significant role in meeting the health needs of all communities.
During the event, the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of PSN, Babayemi Oyekunle, emphasized the importance of a centralized wholesale centre in regulating drug distribution and ensuring the traceability of medications.
Oyekunle stated, “ It is now long overdue for Lagos State to have a Coordinated Wholesale Centre just as Kano State now has. What this does is that we are now able to trace every drug that comes into the state. This will eliminate the sale of adulterated, unwholesome, and fake drugs because now, we would be able to know the sources of every medication that the citizens of the state are taking.
“Establishing this centre is important because Lagos State has the highest population in Nigeria. Lagos should copy best global practices. All over the world, people can trace the source of their drugs but as it is in Lagos now, we can’t trace the source of our drugs.”
The pharmacist also appealed to the Lagos State Government to implement the circulars on consultancy cadre for pharmacists.
“It is also noteworthy that all other six southwest states have finalised the implementation of the Consultant Pharmacists Cadre with Lagos State embarrassingly as the only state where prevarications still prevail.
“Other demands especially the immediate implementation of the circular on a new entry point and other allowances for holders of Pharm. D has since become imperative.
“The PSN Lagos State once again advises the Lagos State Government to expedite action on this and other lingering agreements and other fresh ones to avoid the seemingly inevitable labour unrest that will envelop its health sector”, he stated.
Tolulope Ajayi, Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, emphasized that effective healthcare delivery prioritizes patient needs, necessitating a comprehensive approach to patient care.
He urged the government to demonstrate the requisite political will by establishing a coordinated wholesale center to regulate and streamline drug distribution.
“ If we don’t have a coordinated wholesale centre, falsified drugs will continue to have their way into our system unhindered”, he noted.
According to him, the country’s lack of coordinated wholesale centers has created an environment conducive to the proliferation of illegal pharmacies.
