In response to allegations of under-dosed paracetamol tablets in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced rigorous laboratory testing on all paracetamol products sold in the country. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, revealed that the agency swiftly initiated the urgent testing following widespread concerns about the quality of paracetamol available in the market.
Adeyeye emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the medication’s dosage in paracetamol remains in line with approved standards. She expressed concern over the misleading claims and questionable scientific basis of the research findings, further asserting that NAFDAC has taken decisive steps to address the issue.
The Director-General underscored NAFDAC’s adherence to international standards, citing the agency’s yearly ISO 17025 certification of its laboratories to guarantee precise testing procedures. She highlighted NAFDAC’s robust post-marketing surveillance of medicines to uphold quality and safety standards. Adeyeye reassured the public that NAFDAC will promptly issue public alerts or recall products in the event of deviations.
Furthermore, Adeyeye lauded NAFDAC’s use of well-calibrated, state-of-the-art equipment in sample collection and testing from various regions across the country. She underscored the agency’s dedication to conducting comprehensive regulatory post-marketing surveillance using globally recognized methods.
Drawing attention to NAFDAC’s technologically advanced laboratories, the Director-General revealed that the agency has five ISO-17025-certified laboratories nationwide. She also highlighted the presence of a World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-qualified Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos, where medicines undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality and safety.
In conclusion, Adeyeye assured the public of NAFDAC’s vigilant oversight in safeguarding the nation’s health. She emphasized the agency’s recognition by the WHO and other international partners as a stalwart organization prioritizing the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines, food, and other regulated products.
As NAFDAC proceeds with the extensive laboratory testing, the public can expect timely updates on the outcome of the paracetamol assessment. This decisive action reaffirms NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to upholding pharmaceutical standards and ensuring the well-being of the Nigerian populace.
