The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has restated its commitment to curb circulation of substandard and falsified medicine in Adamawa.

Bitrus Fraden, the director, post market surveillance, NAFDAC Headquarters, stated this during a sensitisation exercise in Yola on Wednesday.

Represented by Gonzuk Bedima, NAFDAC coordinator in the state, Mr Fraden said the fight against substandard and falsified medicine was a collective responsibility.

He advised Nigerians to report suspected substandard/counterfeit medicine to relevant authorities, to protect and enhance public health.

According to him, some patients die not because of diseases but usage of substandard medicine and lack of proper diagnosis before treatment.

Fraden said the agency was conducting annual survey across the states in the federation, and warned vendors against circulating substandard medicine.

“The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and NAFDAC plays a leading role in protecting and improving public health by ensuring that medicinal products meet applicable safety, quality, and efficacy standards.

“NAFDAC is mandated to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, detergents, medical devices, and all drinks including packaged water,’’ he said.

He urged the participants to understand and collaborate with the agency in promoting good health in the society.

In his remarks, Jola Olu-shola, chairman, Association of Pharmaceutical Products of Nigeria in Adamawa, lauded the agency for the exercise.

“This kind of seminar is a welcome development and we always pray for more so that our people will have more knowledge on what they are really doing,” he said.

On his part, Garba Yaro, chairman, Adamawa Traditional Medicine Association, pledged continued collaboration with the agency to improve on their activities.

He said that some herbalists considered NAFDAC as a threat to their businesses because they inherited from their parents, adding that they would step down the message in their communities.

 (NAN)