The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara branch, has urged the federal government to strengthen the regulation and distribution of medicines across the country.

Munirat Bello, the newly elected chairman of the PSN in the state, made the call on Sunday during an interview with journalists in Ilorin.

She outlined the priorities and challenges facing pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria, reiterating calls to protect Nigerians from drug abuse and substandard medicines.

Ms Bello, who is the first female pharmacist to lead the PSN in Kwara, described the country’s drug distribution system as a major concern requiring urgent attention.

She said existing national guidelines on drug distribution needed to be implemented effectively to ensure medicines reached Nigerians through regulated channels.

“We have a very serious, chaotic drug distribution in Nigeria. In fact, I will call it a national emergency,” she said.

According to her, the availability of medicines through unlicensed outlets exposes Nigerians to risks associated with inappropriate medication, drug abuse and unsafe treatment.

She said her administration would collaborate with relevant government agencies to promote effective regulation of the pharmaceutical sector.

The PSN chairman also called for stronger collaboration between professional and enforcement agencies in tackling drug abuse.

She advocated for closer cooperation between the PSN and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), saying a joint approach could help address both the supply and misuse of drugs.

“We are looking to strengthen our collaboration to provide access to the recovery team. We need to tackle it from the root, and that is where the drug distribution guidelines come in,” she added.

Ms Bello also urged Nigerians to obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies rather than open markets and unlicensed drug sellers.

She said pharmacists play an important role in ensuring medicines are used appropriately and safely, adding that public education would be part of her administration’s activities.

Ms Bello said that the PSN would increase its media engagements to educate Nigerians on medication safety, rational drug use and the dangers of drug abuse.

The pharmacist also called for better collaboration between pharmacists and doctors, saying unnecessary professional rivalry should not affect patient care.

“The objective of everyone in the healthcare sector is the patient,” she said.

According to her, doctors should focus on diagnosis, while pharmacists should review prescriptions, dispense medicines, and counsel patients on their appropriate use.

Ms Bello also linked the fight against drug abuse to broader social and economic challenges.

“The government, families, schools, religious institutions and other stakeholders all had roles to play in addressing the problem,” she said.

The pharmacist said sustained public awareness, effective regulation and stronger enforcement were necessary to reduce the misuse of medicines and other drugs.

The PSN chairman said she would prioritise members’ professional well-being across hospitals, community pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and medicine distribution.

She said creating an enabling environment for pharmacists would ultimately improve healthcare delivery for Nigerians.

“Every pharmacist is well supported in terms of their welfare so that they can excel in delivering their best in their place of work.

“By extension, that will now translate to better healthcare for the people,” she said. 

(NAN)