PSN warns against substandard drugs, makes case for accessibility
Pof the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria ( PSN), Prof Cyril Usifoh, has lamented the danger of substandard medicines, warning that they pose a significant threat to public health.
This, according to him, is because poor- quality drugs can be ineffective, leading to treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance and other harmful side effects.
He highlighted the lack of access to genuine drugs as a major reason counterfeits exist in the country. Speaking in Lagos at the exhibition and conference of Medlab West Africa, in collaboration with Pharmaconex by Informa market, Usifoh said ensuring the availability of high- quality drugs was essential to protect patients and maintain the effectiveness of treatment regimens.
“A reliable supply chain of safe and effective medicines is essential for the functioning of healthcare systems in the region. Strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains, improving regulatory systems and investing in healthcare infrastructure are vital to ensure the availability of medicines in Sub- Saharan Africa.
“Access to essential medicines is critical for the control and management of infectious diseases such as HIV/ AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other prevalent diseases in the region,” he said.
Usifoh maintained that access to medicines was a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGS), particularly number three, which borders on Good Health and Well- Being.
Addressing the challenges related to access to drugs, Usifoh said “It requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration” between governments, international organisations, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to ensure that all individuals have access to the medicines they need to live healthy and productive lives.
He stated: “Access to medicines is a fundamental human right. If medicines are accessible and affordable, they save lives by reducing mortality and morbidity associated with acute and chronic diseases. World Health Organisation ( WHO) recommends that all countries voluntarily reach the minimum target of 80 per cent availability of medicines by 2025.”
Group Exhibition Director, Informa Markets Egypt, for Pharmaconex West Africa, Mostapha Khalil, said they aim to accelerate medicine discovery, development and manufacturing ultimately improving access to life- saving medication for all.