Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Pharmacists under the aegis of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria ACPN say they have commenced moves to curb drugs and substance abuse in the state.
The Chairman of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria ACPN, Rivers State Chapter AGBOMMA ESOM-IBE during their Annual General Meeting in Port Harcourt said drugs and substance abuse is killing many youths in the country.
AGBOMMA ESOM-IBE said Pharmacists in the state have lined up different campaigns to create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse in Nigeria.
She also advised Nigerians to always get their drugs from a registered pharmacy to avoid purchasing adulterated drugs.
”We talked about drug and substance abuse which is ravaging the youths in the country. We have done a lot as an association and a society that is Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to combat drugs and substance abuse. And we have a programme coming up on the 24th of June. The Association of Lady Pharmacists has a programme on substance abuse and one of our zones, Woji Zone is also rolling up a programme in collaboration with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA” she said.
”My advise to Nigerians is to get your drugs from a registered pharmacy so you can be sure of what you are taking. We are being regulated by the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria PCN and we can lose our license anytime we are found wanting” she noted.
The Guest Speaker at the event, ABIMBOLA ADEBAKIN urged Pharmacists to equip themselves for effective health care service delivery to their host community.
She said that many Nigerians get their health care from pharmacists within their community stating that pharmacists need to be prepared to brace up to the challenges.
Our correspondent reports that the theme of the ACPN Annual General Meeting is “Exceeding Expectations-Community Pharmacy practice in a volatile world” .
