Establish coordinated wholesale center to tackle fake drugs, Pharmacists urge Sanwo-Olu

In a bid to improve drug distribution in Lagos State, pharmacists are urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to establish a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), similar to the one in Kano State, to tackle the issue of counterfeit medications.

Representing the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, the pharmacists believe that a CWC in Lagos would help mitigate drug abuse and the sale of fake or expired drugs.

At an event on Wednesday marking the 2024 World Pharmacists Day, themed “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs,” they emphasized the necessity of such a facility in the state. This annual observance, organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation on September 25, celebrates pharmacists’ vital role in fostering healthier communities worldwide.

The theme this year highlighted the essential contributions of pharmacists within healthcare systems, particularly in addressing community health needs.

Babayemi Oyekunle, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of PSN, pointed out that a centralized wholesale centre would enhance the regulation of drug distribution and improve traceability. He stated, “Lagos State has long needed a Coordinated Wholesale Centre, similar to Kano’s. This would allow us to trace every drug entering the state, effectively eliminating the sale of adulterated and counterfeit products by identifying the sources of all medications consumed in Lagos.”

He further remarked, “Given Lagos’s status as Nigeria’s most populous state, it’s crucial to adopt global best practices. While people elsewhere can trace their medication sources, we currently lack that capability in Lagos.”

Oyekunle also urged the Lagos State Government to finalize the implementation of the consultancy cadre for pharmacists, noting that all other southwestern states have successfully done so, leaving Lagos as the only laggard. He emphasized the urgency of implementing the circular regarding new entry points and allowances for Pharm.D holders to avoid potential labor unrest in the health sector.

Echoing his sentiments, Tolulope Ajayi, Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, highlighted the importance of patient care in healthcare delivery and called for a comprehensive approach. He urged the government to show the political commitment needed to establish a CWC to regulate drug distribution effectively. “Without a Coordinated Wholesale Centre, falsified drugs will continue to infiltrate our system unchecked,” he warned.