The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Kwara State has called for urgent reform of Nigeria’s drug distribution system, warning that the proliferation of unlicensed medicine outlets is increasing the risk of drug abuse, irrational medication use and exposure to substandard products.
Newly elected state chairman of the PSN, Mrs Munirat Kikelomo Bello, raised the concern in Ilorin while outlining her priorities for the association and describing the country’s drug distribution network as a major public-health challenge.
Bello, the first woman to lead the PSN in Kwara State, said existing national drug-distribution guidelines must be implemented more effectively so that medicines reach patients through regulated and legitimate channels.
She argued that unrestricted access to medicines through open markets and unregistered outlets encourages inappropriate self-medication and makes it more difficult to ensure that products are genuine, properly stored and safely dispensed.
The PSN chairman said her administration would work with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the Ministry of Health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and other stakeholders to strengthen compliance and regulation.
She also called for closer collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, saying the fight against drug abuse required both enforcement and access to recovery support for people already affected.
Bello urged Nigerians to obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies where qualified professionals can review prescriptions, dispense products correctly and counsel patients on safe use.
She said pharmacists have a critical role in patient safety and pledged to intensify public education on rational drug use, medication safety and the dangers of substance abuse.
The PSN leader also advocated stronger collaboration between pharmacists and doctors, saying professional disagreements should never undermine patient care. She stressed that diagnosis and prescription review are complementary responsibilities within the healthcare system.
Bello said government institutions, families, schools, religious bodies and community organizations all had roles to play in reducing drug abuse and misuse.
On pharmacists’ welfare, she said the state branch would pay attention to members working in hospitals, community pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, academia and distribution, arguing that better working conditions would ultimately improve the quality of healthcare available to patients.
