Flowerbud News

Category: Health and Environment

  • Indian Envoy Reiterates Confidence in Nigerian Economy, as NAFDAC Boss Inaugurates Multi-billion Naira Drug Factory

    Indian Envoy Reiterates Confidence in Nigerian Economy, as NAFDAC Boss Inaugurates Multi-billion Naira Drug Factory

    – Indians Set to Invest $25 Dollars More – Envoy

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): India’s Consul-General in Nigeria, Shri Chandramouli Kumar Kern has reiterated the confidence of Indian investors in the Nigerian economy, disclosing that Indian Manufacturers were set to invest additional $25 Million dollars in the Nigerian economy.

    The Indian Envoy made the declaration during the inauguration of a multi-billion Naira pharmaceutical facility by Artemis Laboratories Limited in Ota, Ogun State, a statement by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant stated.

    The Indian Envoy disclosed that, in fact, another set of Indian investors had received approval to invest $25 million in the Nigerian economy

    He stated that the Nigerian market’s substantial size made it impossible for any sensible investor to overlook it despite challenges.

    Despite the exit of some pharmaceutical companies, Shri Chandramouli Kumar Kern affirmed that Indian manufacturers remained committed to investing in Nigeria.

    There is a pressing need for local pharmaceutical manufacturing to meet the healthcare requirements of the Nigerian population, he observed.

    India is prepared to collaborate and emphasizes a commitment beyond merely exporting medicines to Nigeria. The intent is to work closely with Nigerian businesses, encouraging the establishment of numerous Indian manufacturing companies within Nigeria, he stated.

    While acknowledging that certain life-saving drugs requiring extensive research might not currently be produced locally in Nigeria, he questioned the logic behind importing common medications like Paracetamol.

    He emphasized that resources allocated to importing basic drugs such as Paracetamol could be better utilized in other critical areas to foster the development of the Nigerian economy.

    The Indian envoy affirmed Indias support for NAFDACs 5+5 policy, designed to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector for the overall development of the Nigerian economy.

    He highlighted the journey of Artemis Laboratories Limited, stating that the company transitioned from importation to local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

    However, he announced Indias readiness to fill the gap left by the exit of some major pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria, emphasizing that the Nigerian market holds immense importance and strategic value that cannot be overlooked.

    Ambassador Kumar Kern acknowledged the substantial transformation in NAFDAC but encouraged the Agency to address the request for an increased number of product registrations, particularly for investors engaged in local manufacturing of medical products.

    This, he explained, was crucial for ensuring the viability and sustainability of the substantial investments made in constructing the multi-billion Naira factory.

    Highlighting the challenge, he stated, Huge investments in machinery becomes unsustainable by having a small range of NAFDAC registered medicines.

    They need approval for a large number of products to be able to make it profitable.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Rajesh Gupta, the Group Managing Director of Artemis Laboratories Limited, emphasized that the substantial investments in the new plant marked a significant milestone in the groups dedication to advancing healthcare and contributing to the well-being of Nigerian communities.

    Highlighting the challenge, he stated, “Huge investments in machinery become unsustainable by having a small range of NAFDAC registered medicines. They need approval for a larger number of products to be able to make it profitable.”

    Mr. Gupta characterized the investment as a strategic and longstanding commitment to advancing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industries, fostering job creation, and facilitating technology transfer.

    He outlined their plan to emerge as a prominent pharmaceutical player in the region, boasting a robust production capacity of over 2 billion tablets annually.

    We have already secured additional space to establish this venture. This marks the initiation of a journey towards growth and development for the betterment of the Nigerian citizens and the broader ECOWAS region, he stated.

    He emphasised their profound belief in Nigerias healthcare sector potential and the significance of delivering high quality Artemis medicines to a wide audience.

    He highlighted the cutting-edge technology employed in the facility, adhering to the highest standards to ensure the production of safe and effective pharmaceutical products.

    Mr. Gupta emphasized that the companys commitment extended beyond manufacturing, as they were in Nigeria to encourage collaborations, support local talent, and contribute to the development of the ecosystem through research, innovation, and sustainable practices.

    The investor highlighted Nigeria’s potential to emerge as the primary producer and distributor of essential medicines in the broader Sub-Saharan African region.

    Expressing appreciation, he acknowledged NAFDAC for its invaluable support in establishing the business, emphasizing the agency’s guidance and collaboration as crucial factors in bringing the venture to fruition.

    He conveyed gratitude for NAFDAC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare products and expressed anticipation for their ongoing partnership.

    The companys Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nand Kumar, stated that the state-of-the-art facility would enable their team of investors to significantly increase the production of high quality medications.

    These medications include those for treating malaria, infections, iron deficiencies, and pain management essential for daily use. He emphasized the pivotal role of the local manufacturing in diminishing dependence on imported medications, making them more affordable and accessible to the general public.

    Mr Kumar expressed the managements eagerness and ambition to establish additional medicine factories in Nigeria in the near future, anticipating market growth, increased demand, and investment opportunities within the healthcare sector.

    During the inauguration of the new plant, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, conveyed her excitement, stating,This is a positive day for us in Nigeria

    She mentioned the prevalent news regarding drug shortages and the departure of major pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria, while expressing her enthusiasm about being present at the opening of a local manufacturing company, Artemis Laboratories Limited. Appreciating the investment made in this venture, she remarked,

    “For us to be here today, witnessing the establishment of a local manufacturing company, is a significant development for Nigeria. I want to express gratitude for your financial commitment to this endeavour. (Flowerbudnews)

     

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  • Nigeria, a Potential Hub for Pharmaceutical Production and Innovation, NAFDAC DG Declares

    Nigeria, a Potential Hub for Pharmaceutical Production and Innovation, NAFDAC DG Declares

    – Inaugurates New Multi-billion Naira Pharmaceutical Factory in Ota

     

    By Biola Lawal
    It’s (Flowerbudnews): NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye has assured that Nigeria has economic potential to become a hub for pharmaceutical production and innovation in line with the current NAFDAC’s efforts to boost local production.

    Prof Adeyeye gave the assurance while inaugurating a multi-billion Naira pharmaceutical facility constructed by Artemis Laboratories Limited in Ota, Ogun State.

    The NAFDAC DG noted that Artemis decision to invest billions of Naira in the factory, signified the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential to become a hub for pharmaceutical production and innovation.

    Prof Adeyeye commended Artemis for their courageous initiative in investing so heavily in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

    She acknowledged that NAFDAC’s 5+5 policy, which encouraged companies that have been importing products that can be manufactured in Nigeria to transition to local production was yielding results.

    Prof Adeyeye revealed that about 30 percent of new companies have emerged based on the 5+5 policy, emphasising that the initiative encouraged importers to invite companies to start manufacturing in Nigeria or form partnership with existing companies.

    The NAFDAC Director General commended Artemis for taking the bold step to invest in Nigeria for the benefit of the country and urged the company to prioritise quality.

    She emphasised the importance of quality, saying,, ”because you are going to use the medicines you are making. If its not good, its going to affect you. If not you, it may be your relatives or anyone close to you. Think quality.”

    The Director General expressed her delight at Artemiss remarkable commitment to Nigeria, noting the substantial investment made in the new factory.

    She emphasised that this bold and forward-thinking step positioned the company not only to address healthcare needs, but also to contribute significantly to economic development and technological advancement in the country.

    Additionally, she highlighted that ”the establishment of this facility and other emerging pharmaceutical companies will fill the void left by the departure of some multinational pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria.”

    Prof. Adeyeye underscored the importance of producing high-quality products, urging the company to manufacture items that enhance consumers’ lives rather than diminish them.

    She stressed the need for competitiveness in the global market as well.

    Earlier, Indian Envoy, Shri Chandramouli Kumar Kern, the India Consul General, who also spoke at the ceremony, disclosed that another set of Indian investors had received approval to invest $25 million in the Nigerian economy.(Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Report on the Committee on the Spirit Drink Regulations Constituted on Wednesday 19th December, 2018 by the Honorable Minister of Health’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja.

    Report on the Committee on the Spirit Drink Regulations Constituted on Wednesday 19th December, 2018 by the Honorable Minister of Health’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja.

    Read Full: Signed Report by AFBTE, DIBAN, NAFDAC and FMOH

  • Ban on Alcohol in Sachets, a Collective Decision of Stakeholders to Safeguard Public Health – NAFDAC Boss

    Ban on Alcohol in Sachets, a Collective Decision of Stakeholders to Safeguard Public Health – NAFDAC Boss

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the ban on production of alcohol drinks in sachets was not hasty but phased over a give year period for easy implementation.

    NAFDAC Director General, Prof Moji Adeyeye stated in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that the ban was ”in line with the 5-year phase-out plan of the affected presentations of alcoholic beverages which began in January 2019 and ended on 31st January 2024.”

    Prof . Adeyeye said that the actions taken on sachet alcohol was ”pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the NAFDAC Act, and in keeping with the mandate of ‘safeguarding public health.”

    Flowerbudnews recalls that NAFDAC recently began the implementation of the ban on the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles (below 200mls).

    Prof. Adeyeye said, ”It is important to emphasize that the ban was not a unilateral regulatory action but is being implemented on the strength of the recommendation of a high-powered Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC),

    ”and the Industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), in December 2018.”

    The DG stated further, ”It is also important to clarify that the implementation of the ban on alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles was not hasty, and is in line with the 5-year phase-out plan of the affected presentations of alcoholic beverages which began in January 2019 and ended on 31st January 2024.”

    She stated that ‘:the 5 year period granted the industry stakeholders offered a practical, reasonable and sufficient time for full compliance with the phase out of the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles (below 200mls)”

    Prof Adeyeye stressed that ”for the avoidance of doubt, it is important to emphasize that the ban only affects alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles below 200mls.”

    ”Other presentations of alcoholic beverages are not affected by the ban and therefore are still permitted for manufacture, importation, distribution, sale and use in Nigeria,” the DG clarified further.

    Prof Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC commitment to continuously protect public health, saying, ”NAFDAC remains fully alive to her responsibilities and is committed to putting the health of Nigerians in the forefront of regulatory actions.”

    ”Our population’s health is the wealth of our nation. The primary focus of the ban on easily accessible, affordable, portable presentations of high content alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles below 200mls is in the interest of safeguarding the health of our under-aged, vulnerable children and the larger society. Beyond the negative health consequences,” Prof Adeyeye stated.

    The NAFDAC Boss said that ”the ban is also in the interest of curbing increasing social vices attributable to the harmful use of alcohol.,”

    ”We use this medium to solicit the continued support, cooperation, and collaboration of Nigerians in the task of safeguarding the health of the nation, and in this particular instance, to safeguard the lives and future of our young generation of productive Nigerians. Health is wealth,” the DG counseled.

    ”We need a population of healthy and productive Nigerians to create wealth and prosperity for our dear nation. God bless Nigeria, ” she noted.

    NAFDAC………safeguarding the health of the Nation, she concluded the statement (Flowerbudnews)

  • NAFDAC seals 2 factories for producing 100-millilitre alcoholic beverages in Enugu

    NAFDAC seals 2 factories for producing 100-millilitre alcoholic beverages in Enugu

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed two factories for producing 100-millilitre plastic alcoholic beverages and lack of Good Manufacturing practice (GMP) in Enugu State.

     

    NAFDAC enforcement operatives focused on raiding seven marked alcoholic beverage factories in two days within the state; four factories in Nsukka axis and three factories in Enugu axis.

    In the Nsukka axis, two factories were sealed, in another factory its workers ran away on sighting NAFDAC enforcement officers and the last factory was yet to start production.

     

    In the Enugu axis, two of the factories sought for were not in existence and the remaining one relocated out of its known neighbourhood within the metropolis.

    Speaking on the development on Monday, the leader of the NAFDAC enforcement team, Mr Wafar Elam, decried the negative effects of irresponsible alcoholic beverage consumption on the health, safety and security of the public.

     

     

    Elam, who is from the Investigative and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC (covering South-South and South-East), said that relative ease and affordability of the small alcoholic beverage and its pocket-size nature had made some school children take the beverage at will.

     

    According to him, uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachets and small volume or glass bottles have been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.

     

     

    He explained that the consumption alcoholic beverage can lead to renal (or kidney) failure and all sorts of cancer as well as respiratory track infections

    “We are here to take an action and enforce the ban on the production of alcoholic drinks in sachets, small volume of plastic and glass bottles below 200 milliliters.

     

    “During the raid, it was discovered that some factories had finished products, while others still have packaging materials in their possession,” he said.

    Elam said that the raid followed the expiration of the deadline earlier given by NAFDAC for the ban on the production of alcoholic drinks in sachets, small volume glass and bottles across the country.

     

    He said: “The body had in 2018 directed the stoppage of production or sale of all alcoholic drinks in sachets, small volume glasses and bottles by the end of December 2023.

     

    “This followed the recommendation of a committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and Industry in December 2018.

    “The committee premised their arguments on the fact that the rate at which the underage population has access to alcohol was quite alarming because the manufacturers of the products make it accessible and affordable to everyone.

    “It argued that due to its availability in sachets, many people are exposed to drinking too much alcoholic beverage at an early stage in life. As a result, underage drinking has become a major public health problem in the country.” (Flowerbudnews)

  • Make sexual, reproductive health services accessible to IDPs – Don urges FG

    Make sexual, reproductive health services accessible to IDPs – Don urges FG

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Dr Michael Kunnuji of Sociology Department, University of Lagos, on Thursday called on the Federal Government to create functional clinics in all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the federation.
    Kunnuji made the call in Lagos during the presentation of a research project, tagged:
    “Internal Displacement and Reproductive
    Health Challenges: Assessment of
    Experiences of Men and Women in
    Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps in
    Northern Nigeria”.
    Kunnuji, who was the principal investigator in the research said that the study conducted in four IDPs camps in Kaduna State and Benue revealed the enormous challenges confronting them, in the area of sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
    He said some of the challenges were vulnerability to contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), sexual abuse and exploitation, unwanted pregnancies and abortion, gender-based violence and lack of access to SRH services.
    He, however, called on the federal government to intensify efforts in taking absolute care of the IDPs.
    “It is important for government to ensure the Internally Displaced Persons gain unrestricted access to sexual and reproductive health services by way of creating functional clinics in each of the camps.
    “These clinics should prioritise access to family planning services, pregnancy care, ante-natal and post-natal care, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, abortion care as well as gender-based violence services,” he said.
    Kunnuji explained that these were needed because the IDPs were constantly exposed and vulnerable to contacting sexually transmitted infections.
    “Our findings revealed that individuals there engage in risky sexual behaviour, transactional sex, sexual abuse and exploitation, unhygienic practices during menstrual cycle and they are exposed to unhygienic toilet conditions,” he said.
    Speaking on the living condition at the IDPs camps where the research was conducted, Dr Idongesit Eshiet, a co-investigator in the project, described their living condition as appalling, congested and overcrowded.
    Eshiet said that 44.8 per cent of IDPs at the four camps visited gained access to sexual and reproductive health services while 36.7 per cent of tbe IDPs actually made use of the service.
    She noted that causes of barriers to sexual and reproductive health services could be attributed to non-enduring service provisioning, distance, finance, socio-cultural and religious beliefs as well as non-targeted sexuality education.
    “Parents and guardians contract forced
    marriages between their female
    children and wards as a means of getting
    financial and non-financial benefits
    from suitors, to cushion the negative
    economic effect of displacement,” she said.
    She said the gender-based violence component, sexual exploitation and forced marriage would pose serious threat to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    Also, Prof. Chinwe Nwanna of Social Work Department, University of Lagos, and one of the investigators, noted that the study engaged both male and female in the IDPs camps in Zonkwa and Chikun in Kaduna State and Abagena and Daudu in Benue.
    “The methodology engaged are quantitative and qualitative, cross
    sectional survey, in-depth and key informant interviews.
    “The survey was done for 680 persons and questions were asked in Hausa, Tiv and English languages,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • NAFDAC Boss Warns on Dangers of Illegal Importation of Medical Syringes, Says it can Kill Local Production

    NAFDAC Boss Warns on Dangers of Illegal Importation of Medical Syringes, Says it can Kill Local Production

     

    Urges ANLCA to Join forces with NAFDAC to end rejection of Nigerian food exports in EU, USA others.

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has called for concerted efforts to tackle importation of medical syringes to prevent its possible killing of local pharmaceutical industries.

    Prof Adeyeye particularly enjoined members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) to work closer with NAFDAC to prevent illegal mportation of Syringes from overwhelming local firms producing syringes.

    A statement by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant said that Prof. Adeyeye gave the advice in Lagos on Thursday during a familiarisation visit by the new executives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) to NAFDAC Lagos office.

    The delegation was led by its National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokochi.

    The NAFDAC Boss urged ANLCA members to ”think more of the interest of the country over and above personal gains in their activities as clearing agents at the nations ports.”.

    Prof Adeyeye narrated how she marveled at the stupendous investments committed to local production of Syringes in Nigeria by a local pharmaceutical company during a recent facility tour.

    She said that the standard of the facilities she met on ground was comparable to whatever facility that could be found in the US or any country in Europe, adding that after the facility tour and being led into the warehouse, she was highly disturbed at the sight of huge unsold products.

    The NAFDAC DG told her guests that over 1.5 billion units of the product were lying untouched in the warehouse due to low sales, exacerbated by the influx of imported syringes into the country, despite the high import duty slammed on the product to protect the local market.

    Prof. Adeyeye however, noted with regrets that intelligence reports reaching her indicated that some compromise are being made at the port of entry in allowing illegal importation of unregistered containers of syringes into the country.

    She revealed that a publication by USFDA stated that some syringes that come from Southeast Asia are of bad quality, adding that those products didnt fly by night and land in different warehouses in Nigeria: rather, they entered the country through individuals.

    The NAFDAC DG expressed empathy towards manufacturers, stating, “I understand the challenges of not making sales, especially after investing a significant amount of money. That’s why I am particularly meticulous when it comes to overseeing our export processes.”

    As licensed customs agents, she emphasized their pivotal role in facilitating the legal and safe import and export of goods, ensuring compliance with required standards.

    She welcomed the familiarization visit, highlighting its objective to establish effective collaboration and cooperation.

    ‘The aim is to enhance the positioning and promotion of trade in regulated products, both domestically and in the international market’.

    She also noted that the visit and discussion were important, considering the volume of food and agricultural commodities from Nigeria that is currently facing challenges at entry points in some countries in Europe, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, where they have been repeatedly rejected.

    Nigeria has lost billions of naira in trade that could have benefitted our people. About 70 per cent of our exports are rejected, food products especially. All these rejected products did not go through NAFDAC regulatory assessment. It disgraces us as a country.

    She said further, that it has also become a great issue of concern the number of substandard products coming into the country. That’s why I attach significant importance to this association because the goods that are either imported or exported, often play a crucial role in determining the strength of our economy.

    In the area of Exports, she said the international market is competitive in nature and only welcomes products of high quality with relevant certifications and quality packaging that is environmentally friendly and beneficial to trade globally, noting with dismay that the problem of quality, standard, certification and appropriate packaging for made-in-Nigeria products destined for export has been an issue in the international market.

    She however, emphasized the need to address the issue of rejections, adding that some exporters obtain the wrong documentation, especially fake lab results, instead of bringing their products to NAFDACs ISO 17025:2015 accredited labs for analysis,

    She maintained that NAFDAC is the competent authority in Nigeria charged with the responsibility to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution advertisement, sale and consumption of drugs, food and other regulated products in Nigeria.

    NAFDAC having attained the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems that covers all her regulatory processes and procedures and certified WHO GBT maturity level 3, places great premium on deepening use of science in its regulatory processes and self-developments.

    The DG however pointed out that the Agency believes in collaborative efforts with both local and international organizations to compliment her robust regulatory policies geared in protecting consumers and promoting public health by ensuring that regulated products and the systems for their production are safe for the public.

    The DG further disclosed that the Agency had analysed the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) alert from the EU and observed that most rejected products by the EU having failed the relevant tests, were not having the appropriate documentation/certifications.

    This calls for proper collaboration and synergy between all stakeholders to curb the negative behaviour of some of these exporters and ensure only quality and certified products are exported.

    As licensed customs agents, Prof Adeyeye said they are responsible for ensuring that their members know the importance of the assessment of accompanying shipping documents and that goods are cleared through customs and all necessary regulations, stressing that by following the rules and regulations that govern the import and export of goods, they are helping to protect society, the environment, and consumers.

    Speaking in the same vein, the National President of ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Nwokochi lamented that its shameful that when you buy yam abroad they tell you it is from Ghana, or any other country in West Africa when Nigeria is the highest producer of yam.

    As the Naira continues to fall to the dollar, he said we cant do anything to help the Naira other than to increase the level of exports in the country to provide alternative source of raising foreign exchange.

    He however, pledged his associations resolve to work in collaboration with the Agency to achieve the common goal of developing the nations economy. (Flowerbudnews)

  • NAFDAC receives expired seedlings surrendered by marketers in Sokoto

    NAFDAC receives expired seedlings surrendered by marketers in Sokoto

     

    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto:  National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken custody of 41 bags of expired seedlings surrendered by some marketers in Sokoto State.

    NAFDAC Coordinator in the state, Mr Garba Adamu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that some marketers surrendered the 41 pieces of 100kg of the expired seedlings.

    Adamu said that the forfeited items, comprising maize and corn seedlings, were part of the support given to farmers in Zamfara by the Federal Government, but which were sold to traders.

    ”When the traders realised that the products had expired, they voluntarily surrendered them to NAFDAC, which is commendable.

    ”We really commend the efforts of the Agro-allied Dealers Association and reassure them of our continued collaborations.

    ”I urge traders to be more committed to the struggle to sanitise the country of adulterated and counterfeit products,” he said.

    The NAFDAC coordinator noted that some marketers were in the habit of dumping expired or about-to-expire products in markets in Sokoto and environs.

    ”Some of them even take these products to border markets and rural areas for consumption,” he said.

    Adamu cautioned traders against selling adulterated, counterfeit, unregistered and expired products to the public, reiterating that NAFDAC would continue the enforcement at all times.

    He urged Nigerians to always check the NAFDAC registration levels as well as the manufacturing and expiry dates of items before buying and using them.

    The coordinator commended sister agencies, law enforcement agencies, traders’ associations, individuals and groups for their supports to NAFDAC toward safeguarding public health. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)(Flowerbudnews)

  • NAFDAC Deploys Track and Trace Technology to Mitigate Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youths

    NAFDAC Deploys Track and Trace Technology to Mitigate Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youths

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has deployed unique technology to track and trace  narcotic products from production source to the end user, the patient.

    Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed this at the commissioning of the narcotic drugs serialisation pilot project in Lagos on Friday.

    The NAFDAC Boss said that the technological innovation was part of the Agency’s renewed efforts to combat the menace of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria, particularly amongst the teeming youth population,

    ”The abuse of drug substances is global. We have realized our issue in Nigeria, and we are ready to address” it through narcotic drugs serialisation tracking system, a statement on Sunday by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant, quoted the Director General as saying.

    Prof Adeyeye noted that narcotics were chosen amongst other classes of drugs to make sure that we do not have drug or substance abuse in Nigeria or to mitigate it, adding that this will be replicated for all other NAFDAC-regulated drug products.

    Going down memory lane, Prof Adeyeye recalled the ubiquitous misuse of Tramadol and Codeine all over the country when she got to NAFDAC in 2017 with their adverse effects on the mental health of young adults, children, and women.

    She noted that people were selling codeine or tramadol, adding; ”For the first six months of my tenure, I was running after tramadol or codeine as a regulatory Agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and quality of medicines,”

    Prof Adeyeye stated that NAFDAC placed utmost importance on good distribution practices as a core mandate of the agency is to ensure that the distribution of medical products along the pharmaceutical supply chain reflects best global practices.

    She regretted that one of the greatest challenges that we face today in the healthcare sector is occurrence substandard and falsified medicines.

    She added that in Nigeria, this problem is further compounded by the chaotic drug distribution practices of unscrupulous elements of society who do not place premium on human lives.

    These are the sharp practices that the Traceability project (Track and Trace) seeks to stop., she maintained as she enthused that Track and Trace (Traceability) is indeed a game changer!

    With this technology, she said medicines can now be tracked and traced right from the very source of production, the manufacturing plant, to the end user, the patient.

    Through the scanning device on an Android phone, the NAFDAC boss said consumers can now verify the authenticity of the drug product they consume and be assured of the quality of medicines.

    More importantly, she said the track and trace technology is a veritable tool to be deployed in the event of medication recalls.

    The commissioning event of the project is a crystallization of a series of activities that the Agency embarked upon since May 2018, when we attended the very first GS1 Africa healthcare conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    This led to the development and formulation of the Traceability Strategy Document, a five-year implementation roadmap for pharmaceutical products that was launched by the then Honourable Minister for Health in October 2020.

    She said the narcotic drugs serialization pilot project symbolizes a significant milestone in the Agencys commitment to delivering quality, efficacious, and easily verifiable medical products to the Nigerian consumer by adequately securing the drug distribution network.

    She explained that the need to commence the track and trace of pharmaceutical products with narcotic medicines is a very strategic one, noting that Narcotic drugs occupy a very prime place in healthcare, and due to the very high propensity for abuse and diversion of this group of essential medicines cannot always be overruled.

    The DG disclosed that the pilot project will be on for about one year, during which we expect to have been familiar with all that will be necessary to enhance the deployment and full implementation of the track and trace project for other drug classes in scalable phases.

    Prof Adeyeye further stated that manufacturers must first commission the products they are registered to distribute into the NAFDAC Traceability System, and when it gets to the distributors or the wholesalers, they will also scan the products using a 2D Data Matrix barcode scanner to capture the event related to the movement of the product.

    The NAFDAC boss said that all this will be captured in the Agencys Information Traceability System so that if something goes off the track within the supply chain it would be easily traced and tracked and help in no small measure to reduce drug abuse.

    The Managing Director of the technical partner, GS1 Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Odunlami, described the occasion as a very significant day in the history of traceability in Nigeria.

    For GS1, he said that it has been a journey that started over ten years ago when the company started preaching the importance of traceability.

    He, however, commended NAFDAC for identifying the importance of this standard in transforming the way we do things in the country and enabling traceability and a good distribution system for the country.

    NAFDAC has taken the mantle as you can see today where we are now doing serialization of a very important class of medication which is Narcotics., he said, as he explained the GSI standard and the role it will play in the system.

    Mr. Odunlami further explained that GS1 provided the standard while Newsoft Nigeria Plc is the solution provider saddled with the responsibility of developing the solution and carrying out the implementation.(Flowerbudnews)