By Haruna Gimba
The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed 11 containers of imported fake drugs worth N9.6 billion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The products, imported from India and China, were impounded by men of the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Wharf.
Health Reporters reports that the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole supervised the destruction.
He said the drugs were essential for treatment of ailments, but regretted that the chemical concentration of some of them was very high for the recommended concentration in a regulated market.
Prof. Adewole attributed the situation to poor health system, stressing that if the health system was credible, accessible and affordable, Nigerians will not patronise quack medicine shops.
He said: “Nothing destroys this nation more than the importation and distribution of bad products. Some of them have NAFDAC numbers, but are fake. We are serious about this war against corruption. These are products Nigerians need. They are pain killers, but are fake.”
The minister warned against self-medication and urged medical agencies/parastatals and security agencies to collaborate on the war against counterfeit drugs.
“It is a war that must be waged until criminals become tired of importing fake drugs,” Adewole said.
NAFDAC’s Acting Director-General, Mrs. Yetunde Oni said 10 containers loaded with fake bread enhancers were impounded.
She assured people that the agency will not relent in its struggle of ridding the country of unwholesome products.
