…… Vows To Clampdown On Erring Members

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Osun Command has sent a stern warning to members of National Association of Patient and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) against dealing of Illicit Drugs in the state.

Sounding the note of warning to NAPPMED, the Osun NDLEA Commander, Chidi Nnadi during a one day seminar for the patent medicine dealers in Osogbo, on Tuesday, said any member caught will face tue wrath of the law.

The commander said the workshop is pertinent at this moment due to the upsurge of drug abuse particularly psychotropic substances.

Nnadi noted that there’s need for stringent measures by Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAPPMED to sanction erring members who are bent on sabotaging the efforts of the upright members.

In his words: “The upsurge of drug abuse particularly psychotropic substances is frightening. Hence, the call for a workshop.

“The need to shun greed and deal only with genuine and over the counter drugs cannot be stressed enough. The command will only partner with members with positive mindset and those who are desirous of a drug free society.

“The Agency appreciates the important role of NAPPMED play in providing and complementing the services of the primary healthcare in rural dwellings, engage in revenue generation, create job opportunities and referrals among other salient roles in our society.

“Against this backdrop, there’s need for stringent measures by Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAPPMED to sanction erring members who are bent on sabotaging the efforts of the upright members.”

Also speaking at the workshop, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Sarki Jide from UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo noted that there can’t be drug abuse when there’s nothing wrong with prescription, saying patent medicine dealers have a crucial role to play in curbing the menace.

Dr Saki asserted that some youths use drugs for pleasurable reasons, noting that 20 percent of Nigerian Youths are involved in drug abuse.

The guest Speaker claimed that most patent medicines sellers deals in illicit drugs because of their love for money. He therefore warned youths to desist as such can damage their whole body and brain.

The medical practitioner also urged NAPPMED leadership in the state to expose the quacks among them for sanction from the appropriate authority and agencies.