By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
The Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA), led by the Director General, Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot yesterday paid an official visit to Langtang North following reports of fake and substandard drugs in circulation.
During the visit, the DG met with the Director of Primary Health Care Mr. Bako, who explained that expired and substandard drugs had been discovered in the area. Mr Bako reported that the drugs were collected, taken to the secretariat, and later moved to a temporary site where they were burned.
He added that no quantity was recorded; only a list of the affected drugs and consumables was provided.
Mr. Bako further explained that once the issue came to their notice, staff were mobilized for inspection. Using pharmaceutical checks, they examined the expiry dates and confirmed that several consumables and drugs were expired.
While appreciating their intervention and teamwork of the Langtang North health personnel, the DG cautioned that burning such drugs was dangerous and could pose serious health risks to surrounding communities.
He noted that it was fortunate the incident occurred during the rainy season, which might have reduced the environmental impact.
The DG then directed the Director of Primary Health Care to immediately visit the site, recover the burned drugs, and forward them to the laboratory for proper testing to determine the next steps.
He expressed regret that such an incident took place and emphasized that proper procedures must be followed in the future.
He also reminded the team that it is the duty of NAFDAC to give directives in such cases.
He added that List of Expired Consumables Identified are Dextrose saline,Normal saline, Iodine,Hydrogen peroxide, Spirit,Needles/syringesChromic catgut
Gauze,Cotton wool, Sanitary pads
Pregnancy test strips and RVS strips
While list of of expired Drugs Identified:
are Syrup paracetamol,Suspension metronidazole, Tablets sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine, Tablets Septrin, Tablets Vitamin C,Syrup Septrin
, Capsules Ampiclox,Capsules Tetracycline,Tablets Diclofenac, Capsules Feldene, Capsules Omeprazole
Tablets Metronidazole,Tablets Fesolate
Others are Tablets Plasil,Tablets Piriton
Tablets Folic acid,Tablets Multivite
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
Cough syrup (child), Suspension Mebendazole and several others.