Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed concerns over proliferation of fake and counterfeit drugs in most drug stores, warehouses and other illegal outlets across the 31 local government areas, noting that such unwholesome practices pose grave danger to public health.
Consequently, the administration of Governor Umo Eno has directed strict enforcement to rid the health sector of such illegalities constituting death traps to unsuspecting patients.
At major public places including the Ibom Plaza axis, motor parks, markets and other busy places in the state capital and local government areas close to Uyo metropolis, hawkers of various herbal remedies draw public attention to their drugs through loudspeakers, declaring their concoctions have the potency of curing virtually all ailments.
As part of measures to combat the menace, two joint task force teams have been inaugurated with the mandate to “combat fake and counterfeit drugs and monitor private health facilities and quacks operating in the health sector.”
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, inaugurated the committees in Uyo, with the mandate to tackle
counterfeit and fake drugs as well as unwholesome processed food products.
The commissioner recalled that the reintroduction of the initiative after 13 years, was a bold step towards safeguarding lives.
“For too long, our people have faced preventable deaths and suffering due to counterfeit drugs, unwholesome food products, and unethical practices by unqualified practitioners. These dangers erode trust and threaten lives.
“The state government, through the Ministry of Health, is resolute in stamping out these menaces and holding health professionals accountable,” he stressed.
Some of the benefits of the initiative as listed by the commissioner include eliminating fake drugs and quackery, as well as restoration of citizen’s confidence in the state’s health system.
The commissioner stressed that the measure will also encourage strict adherence to ethical standards in private and public facilities and reduction of preventable deaths through proactive regulation.
