NAFDAC Urges Onitsha Residents To Shun Fake Drugs

The National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged residents of Onitsha and environs to be active in the fight against fake drugs. Its Zonal Coordinator in Onitsha, Mr Dauda Gimba, made the call in an interview recently.

Gimba outlined the dangers posed by fake drugs, stating that with prompt information about fake drugs, the agency can safe-guard the health and lives of thousands in any Onitsha neighbourhood, which might be used as safe haven by the peddlers.”

The coordinator, who urged Onitsha residents not to be complacent in the fight against fake drugs, gave some tips on what to look out for when buying a drug.

“The issue is that the consumer himself is suppose to be curious and scrutinise whatever he is buying to make sure it is registered in the first place.  “Therefore, once there is no NAFDAC registration number on the product; there should be questions.

“If it is registered and you happen to doubt the quality by its physical appearance, again questions should be asked. “You look at the label; you look at the name of the product; you look at the name of the manufacturer; you look at the address of the manufacturer; you look at the manufacture expiry date. “You look at spelling errors in all these I am mentioning. Then, you look at the NAFDAC registration number whether it is there or completely absent.

“Those are issues that should lead you to the next question and possibly report to NAFDAC if necessary.”

According to Gimba, the agency’s office is open to receive public complaints as desk officers have been stationed to attend to such issues promptly.