Pharmacists Warn 50% of Drugs in Circulation Are Fake, Urge Tougher Laws

Pharmacists Warn 50% of Drugs in Circulation Are Fake, Urge Tougher Laws

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised an alarm over the rising presence of fake and substandard drugs in the country, claiming that over 50% of medicines in circulation are counterfeit. This figure, according to ACPN Chairman Ambrose Ezeh, contradicts the official statistics by government agencies which put the rate between 13% and 15%.

Ezeh made the revelation during a press briefing, where he called on the National Assembly to urgently amend and strengthen the Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act. He emphasized that only strict enforcement and stiffer penalties will deter the growing network of drug counterfeiters endangering public health.

The pharmacists also expressed concern over the infiltration of fake food products and drinks in the market, warning that Nigerians risk severe health consequences if current enforcement strategies are not overhauled. They advocated for collaboration between regulatory agencies and pharmacists to tackle the menace effectively.