Alert: Half of Nigeria’s Circulating Drugs are Fake, Pharmacists Warn
In a shocking revelation, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has sounded the alarm that a staggering 50% of drugs currently in circulation across the country are counterfeit and substandard. This distressing news was announced by ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, on the eve of the association’s 44th annual national conference.
According to Ezeh, the influx of fake drugs, foods, and drinks has become a major concern in contemporary Nigeria, posing significant risks to individuals, communities, and the society as a whole. The ACPN chairman lamented that the situation has deteriorated to the point where over 50% of circulating drugs are fake and substandard, contradicting official figures that estimate the prevalence of counterfeit drugs to be between 13% and 15%.
Ezeh emphasized that the dangers of fake drugs are well-known, but the issue of fake drinks has taken on a new dimension, with "modern-day merchants of death" championing the trade. He urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the existing laws governing fake drugs and unwholesome food, stressing that this would be a crucial step in tackling the menace.
The ACPN chairman’s warning is particularly troubling, given the potential consequences of consuming fake and substandard drugs. These can include treatment failure, adverse reactions, and even death. With the Nigerian healthcare system already facing significant challenges, the proliferation of counterfeit drugs threatens to further undermine the country’s efforts to provide quality healthcare to its citizens.
As the ACPN conference gets underway, the issue of fake and substandard drugs is likely to be a major focus of discussion. The association’s research-based efforts have clearly indicated that Nigeria is facing a crisis, with the percentage of fake and substandard drugs in circulation reaching alarming levels. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to this warning, but one thing is certain: urgent action is needed to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians.
In a country where access to quality healthcare is already a challenge, the presence of fake and substandard drugs in the market is a ticking time bomb. The ACPN’s alert serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and concerted effort to combat this menace. As Nigeria struggles to provide effective healthcare to its citizens, the issue of fake and substandard drugs must be tackled head-on to prevent further harm and ensure that those in need of medical attention receive the care they deserve.
