Patent Medicine Dealers Seek Support on Regulation, OTCs

During the maiden national summit of the association in Abuja, President of the association, Prince Joel Odoh, made the call that The Nigeria Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) has called on the federal government to support its members in providing Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs, particularly to Nigerians in the rural areas,

and such assistance to the over 950,000 registered patent medicine dealers in the country would enable them increase their purchasing capital to stock the required OTC drugs, being the first contact to patients at the grassroots.

He also said while the association was not against the regulatory activities of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) over its members, the present license issued to them did not cover many essential areas nor the required scope. He said there was need for a roundtable discussion between the federal government, PCN and NAPPMED members to address the issues adding that”We must sit down to upgrade the list and save more lives. We should agree on the necessary things. For example, every patent medicine dealer in the country has flagyl, tetracycline and ampicillin in his shop, so how can somebody in a rural area be treated for diarrhea if the license does not cover it ?” he queried.

He said the association was working hard to ensure that its members did not engage in sharp practices like drug adulteration and administration of fake and expired drugs on patients, adding that existing task force on surveillance and enforcement would be strengthened saying that the maiden national summit was organized to enable members and stakeholders discuss on best practices and to celebrate the association at 54.

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