The Nigerian agency responsible for food and drug administration and control has implemented new regulatory measures as part of its effort to combat fake and inferior medicinal items within the country.
These encompass the NAFDAC Green Book, the 2024 Pharmaceutical Product Tracking Regulations, and the 2024 Pediatric Regulation.
A two-day awareness workshop for stakeholders commenced in Lagos on Tuesday and drew participants from various fields including medicine, military, pharmacy, and regulation.
The NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Fraden Bitrus, stated that the Green Book—an online database—enables everyone, including pharmacists and patients, to verify if a medicinal product has been registered and sanctioned by the organization.
Referring to it as an internet tool againstfake medications, he stated, "Such counterfeit items are typically manufactured by unethical businessmen along with their international accomplices who only seek to profit from compromising public well-being."
“This is the worst kind of inhumanity, using poison to favour men. The Green Book is an online resource for identifying a product’s source. You simply enter the product name, brand name, or NAFDAC registration number to verify its status.
If something shows up in the Green Book, you can trust it. Otherwise, buyers should be cautious.
He mentioned that the platform was designed not only to enable consumers and retailers to recognize and refuse fake medications but also to safeguard individuals throughout Nigeria’s distribution network.
Bitrus, however, highlighted a significant obstacle, mentioning that certain marketing authorization holders had failed to submit all the necessary data for their products to be included in the list.
"We urge all manufacturers to provide this information so as to ensure complete filling of the Green Book," he stated.
He also unveiled the Pharmaceutical Products (Traceability) Regulation 2024, which mandates that every drug in circulation must carry a unique identifier. This technology allows full visibility and tracking of the product across the supply chain, from manufacturing to end user.
Nigeria has become the leading nation in Africa and the second globally to implement such advanced drug tracking capabilities. This traceability initiative was initially tested during the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, achieving positive outcomes.
Within 24 hours, batches of inferior vaccines were identified and withdrawn from circulation," Bitrus stated. "Currently, implementation has begun for priority items like antiretrovirals and controlled substances, with intentions to broaden this effort.
The agency showcased their Scan-to-Verify App, which enables immediate verification of authorized medical items through smartphones.
A key component of the workshop focused on the NAFDAC Pediatric Regulations from 2024, which provide a customized set of guidelines aimed at guaranteeing that pediatric medications adhere to the strictest criteria for safety and effectiveness.
"This regulation acknowledges the distinct physiological requirements of children and implements safeguards to guarantee that anything provided to a child is genuinely safe," he stated.
The Director of NAFDAC’s Southwest Zone, Mrs Roselyn Ajayi, highlighted the importance of collective accountability among different industries.
NAFDAC by itself cannot conquer this challenge. We require both external and internal cooperation.
The regulatory landscape is changing; two decades ago, topics like traceability, digitization, and artificial intelligence were not part of our discussions," she stated. "Now, we have to consistently involve stakeholders to make sure everyone stays aligned.
She emphasized again that educating stakeholders was still among NAFDAC’s primary responsibilities.
"This involvement isn’t merely an update; it’s a summons to take action," she stated.
Colonel Zaidi Mustapha from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, speaking on behalf of the Corps Commander, praised the initiative.
He stated, “This workshop enriches our knowledge and sharpens our skills. It equips us to return to our posts with better capacity, competence, and courage. Despite the huge challenges facing healthcare professionals today, this kind of effort strengthens our ability to deliver safe and qualitative healthcare, especially to the poor.”
He extended the goodwill of the Corps to NAFDAC and called on other health professionals to support the agency’s reforms.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
0 Komentar