L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olufunke Olomojobi; Director General National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dr. Paul Orhii and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi, during the visit by the NAFDAC boss to the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti
The Director-General of National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii has called on all States of the federation to follow the step of Ekiti State in initiating a Unified Drug Revolving Fund (UDRF) Scheme, as a way to curb the influx of substandard drugs.
The Director-General made the call in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday during a working visit of the Agency to the Central Medical Stores at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).
Orhii who said that the visit was aimed at studying the UDRF Scheme so that the Agency could take a cue from it, stated that Ekiti State has what the nation needs to rid it of the influx of fake drugs, even as NAFDAC has successfully reduced the influx to 16.7% in recent time.
He added that the Agency would work with the State Government on the establishment of a Laboratory for true scan of drugs because the State is the best example for drug storage and distribution.
While noting that NAFDAC is basically confronted with the challenge of water sanitation, Orhii lauded Ekiti for the concerted effort and investment in water sanitation in the State, saying that this has helped reduced the Agency’s concern.
The DG however urged the State Government to participate in the next National Health Conference so that the State can avail other States its experiences in drug storage and distribution as well as water sanitation.
In his remarks, the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi had lamented the damage and loss incurred by Nigerians through the consumption of fake drugs and assured that Ekiti will be proud to partner with the Federal Government in the war against fake drugs.
While urging the FG to support Ekiti in expanding the UDRF scheme, the Governor expressed optimism on areas of cooperation between the duo, especially on health.
Dr. Fayemi who recalled that the CMS-UDRF scheme was initiated in partnership with UK Department for International Development, said the Drug Store is now being patronized by no fewer than 364 patient medicine stores as well as all primary and secondary health facilities in the State.
Last modified: January 23, 2013
