The House of Representatives has taken a bold step in addressing the rampant issue of drug abuse and the indiscriminate sale of drugs in Nigeria. In a recent session, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Health to develop a prescription policy to monitor and regulate the sale of pharmaceutical products in the country.
This move comes in response to the alarming statistics on drug abuse in Nigeria, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a prevalence rate of 14.4% among the productive age group of 15-65 years. This is nearly three times higher than the global average of 5.5%, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The House emphasized the importance of enforcing a prescription policy to ensure that only qualified health practitioners administer drugs to patients. It also called on the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to close down illegal outlets selling counterfeit, substandard, or expired drugs.
Furthermore, the House urged key agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Standards Organization (SON) to collaborate in raising public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
The resolution, sponsored by Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa, highlighted the link between drug abuse and various societal issues such as extremism, terrorism, violent crimes, and high school dropout rates. It underscored the negative impact of drug abuse on community health, security, and stability.
In light of these concerns, the House tasked relevant committees to ensure compliance with the new prescription policy and to monitor the implementation of measures to curb drug abuse in Nigeria.
This decisive action by the House of Representatives signals a commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting responsible drug use in Nigeria. It is a crucial step towards addressing the root causes of drug abuse and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
