Abia Moves to Protect Lives as Emetu Receives PSN Roadmap to End Fake Drugs, Reform Pharmaceutical Sector

The Abia State Government has renewed its commitment to protecting citizens from the dangers of fake and substandard medicines, with the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, assuring that the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, will deploy every necessary measure to sanitise the pharmaceutical sector and strengthen healthcare delivery.

Engr. Emetu gave the assurance when he received the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Abia State Branch, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Umuahia.

The visit provided an opportunity for the professional body to present a comprehensive memorandum containing proposals aimed at reforming pharmaceutical practice, improving drug distribution, and addressing challenges confronting the sector in the state.

One of the major highlights of the engagement was the PSN’s proposal for the establishment of a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), an initiative the Deputy Governor described as a strategic solution to the persistent challenge of fake and unregulated medicines.

According to Engr. Emetu, the centre would create a structured drug distribution system where only licensed and verified pharmaceutical operators would participate, thereby reducing the activities of illegal drug vendors and protecting residents from harmful medicines.

“The proposal is an eye-opener. Rather than chasing the problem endlessly, we must adopt a strategic approach that will effectively eliminate the menace of fake drugs and quack medicine vendors. A Coordinated Wholesale Centre will enable us regulate drug distribution more effectively and identify genuine operators in the pharmaceutical sector.”

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the memorandum would be presented before the next Abia State Security Council meeting, noting that tackling counterfeit medicines requires a coordinated effort involving government, security agencies, regulatory institutions, and professional associations.

He expressed concern over the growing health complications associated with fake and improperly dispensed medicines, including cases requiring dialysis and other critical medical interventions.

Engr. Emetu maintained that the Alex Otti administration remains determined to enforce stronger regulatory measures and professional standards to ensure that residents have access to safe and quality medicines.

Strengthening Pharmaceutical Education and Workforce

The Deputy Governor also highlighted the importance of strengthening pharmaceutical education in the state, particularly the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

He described the faculty as critical to producing the skilled manpower required to support a modern healthcare system, assuring the PSN delegation that he would engage Governor Alex Otti on issues surrounding its accreditation.

He further promised to discuss increased recruitment of pharmacists into public health facilities and the implementation of the Pharmacist Consultancy Cadre to improve professional pharmaceutical services across the state.

Describing pharmacists as critical partners in healthcare delivery, Engr. Emetu said quality medicines and professional pharmaceutical care remain essential components of effective treatment.

“A surgeon cannot successfully carry out an operation without pharmaceutical products. If the pharmaceutical component of healthcare is neglected, the patient’s condition could become worse than when they came to the hospital. That is why this administration will continue to strengthen pharmaceutical services and ensure that only qualified professionals are entrusted with the sale and distribution of medicines in Abia State.”

PSN Commends Otti Administration’s Healthcare Reforms

Earlier, the Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Abia State Branch, Pharm. Chinedu Urukwem, presented the society’s memorandum, which contained recommendations for improving pharmaceutical practice and healthcare delivery.

He commended Governor Otti’s administration for increased investment in health and education, recruitment of healthcare workers, and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning critical sectors.

Among the requests presented by the society were support for the accreditation of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at ABSU, recruitment of more pharmacists, implementation of the Pharmacist Consultancy Cadre, inclusion of pharmacists in healthcare management boards, operationalisation of the Abia State Drug Management Agency, establishment of a Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Board, support for the Coordinated Wholesale Centre, provision of a permanent secretariat for PSN, and incentives to attract pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to Aba.

The Vice Chairman of PSN, Abia State Branch, Pharm. Nnamdi Amechi, also praised the government’s reforms and urged continued collaboration between the state and pharmacists to eliminate fake drugs and improve healthcare outcomes.

He expressed optimism that sustained partnership between the Abia State Government and PSN would position the state as a leading destination for pharmaceutical excellence in Nigeria.