NAIP Inuagurates Research Center in Anambra, Vows End to Fake Drugs

By Praise Chinecherem

Association of Industrial Pharmaceticals of Nigeria (NAIP) on Tuesday performed ground breaking ceremony of its Research Center at the Coordinated Wholesale Center, Oba, Anambra state.

Speaking during the event, National Chairman, Pharm Bankole Ezebuilo said the center situated on a 50 hecter land, freely provided by state government would be ready for use next year.

He said the facility would house analytical lab, warehouse, cold-chain, marketing research centre for data generation and conference centre for training of medical sales representatives.

According to him, the center was informed by sharp practices by certain drug dealers who take advantage of absence of analytical labs and other facilities to manipulate the system.

He said, “NAIP is association of local manufacturers, importers and representatives of foreign companies that supply drugs to hospitals and community pharmacies before final consumers.

“We are building this centre for obvious reasons. In Nigerian markets, drugs are supposed to come in and go out as authentic and real product but some people take advantage and adulterate the drugs.

“The analytical lab in the center will ensure that every drug that comes in will be analysed so that when it gets out, we are sure that the final consumers get the authentic products.

“If we eradicate or minimize adulteration of drugs at the Wholesale Center, then we can be rest assured that consumers get the real drugs.”

The Chairman further disclosed that NAIP had signed an agreement with the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA).

According to him, NAPPSA pledged to provide the necessary equipment for the analytical laboratory and to train pharmacists on how to operate and manage the equipment effectively.

Special Adviser to Governor on Medical and Pharmaceticals, Dr Harrison Abone assured close monitoring of activities in the Center to ensure substandard products did not find their way into the region.

“As government and pharmacists, we appreciate the essence of having genuine drugs especially this side of the country.

“NAFDAC, PCN buildings are springing up here, all to ensure operations are well monitored with CCTV cameras,” he said.

Former National Chairmen present at the event, including Olumide Akintayo, Azubuike Okwor, UNO Uwaga and Anthony Akhime as well as Igwe Alex Onyido of Ogidi pledged support to the project to ensure its speedy completion.