Combating counterfeit medications

By Rekpene Bassey

The current nationwide hardship manifests in almost every sphere of our lives. Everything from shelter to electricity, food, transportation, and healthcare—especially pharmaceuticals—is almost out of reach for the ordinary Nigerian.

This article examines the escalating cost of over-the-counter medicines like antibiotics, malaria medication, and analgesics. It also delves into prescription medications and other pharmaceuticals whose prices have soared, making them unaffordable for people with low incomes amid rising living costs and the implications of fake medicines.

A review of the cost of some medicines in the country paints an opaque picture. Essential and commonly used pharmaceuticals for treating everyday ailments like malaria, flu, typhoid, pain, diabetes, and hypertension have increased in price by 10 to 75 percent or more, depending on whether they are locally produced or imported. For instance, a medicine like adult Coartem, which now sells for N2,600, was less than N1,500 a year ago.

Artemether, which sold for N300 slightly over a year ago, now sells for N6,500, depending on the location of the medical store. Common antibiotics such as Augmentin, Cibrotab, and Zithromax, which used to sell for N3,000 and N7,000, now cost N5,000 and N17,000. The price of cough syrups has also surged. For instance, Benylin, one of the cheapest cough syrups, now sells for N5,300.

An analgesic like Voltaren now sells for N4,000, up from slightly over N1,000 just a year ago. One of the most common analgesics, Panadol, now costs almost N500 per card or more, depending on whether it is imported or not.

The same goes for medications for diabetes and hypertension. Metformin and Amlodipine are now being sold for between N2,900 and N3,000, compared to about N600 just a few months ago. This price surge affects over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, making it increasingly difficult for many to afford essential treatments.

The sad reality is that many people can no longer afford to buy these medications. As it stands, those who cannot afford essential OTC medications either continue to suffer from their ailments until death or opt for cheaper alternatives, which are most likely to be adulterated, fake, or counterfeit, particularly in the hinterlands, sold by patent medicine dealers.

The current situation has fueled the production and proliferation of fake medications, with unscrupulous producers exploiting the hardship for profit.

The consequences of this situation are dire. Apart from the increase in the mortality rate, there is the danger of spreading various infections, which has significant implications for national healthcare and the potential for pandemics. The proliferation of counterfeit medications undermines public health and safety, leading to ineffective treatments, prolonged illnesses, and even death.

This situation challenges regulatory and control institutions like the Ministry of Health and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which seems to have been overwhelmed and fallen backward since the passing of its former Director-General, Prof Dora Akunyili, has one of the most significant stakes in this crisis. NAFDAC must intensify efforts to prevent and control the proliferation of fake drugs.

To effectively combat counterfeit medications, NAFDAC must also enhance its surveillance and enforcement capabilities. This includes stricter inspections of pharmaceutical factories, distribution channels, and retail outlets.

The agency should employ advanced technologies, such as blockchain for supply chain transparency and track-and-trace systems, to monitor the movement of pharmaceuticals from production to the point of sale.

Moreover, public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating the populace about the dangers of counterfeit medications and how to identify authentic drugs. Collaboration with international organizations and other countries facing similar challenges can also provide valuable insights and resources for tackling this issue.

The legislative arms of the government at the national and state levels have a critical role to play. They must enact and enforce stringent laws and penalties against the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs. Legislation should also support strengthening NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to ensure they have the necessary resources and authority to carry out their mandates effectively.

Security agencies should be involved, as the matter also touches domestic and national security. Counterfeit drug trade often intersects with other forms of organized crime, and a coordinated approach involving the police, customs, and intelligence services is essential. Training and capacity-building for law enforcement officers on identifying and handling counterfeit pharmaceuticals are necessary.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors can bolster efforts to combat counterfeit medications. Pharmaceutical companies should adopt best practices in manufacturing and distribution to minimize the risk of counterfeiting. Partnerships with tech firms can lead to innovative solutions for verifying the authenticity of drugs.

Additionally, improving access to affordable healthcare is vital. Government initiatives to subsidize essential medications and support local pharmaceutical production can reduce dependence on imported drugs and lower prices. Ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all Nigerians will diminish the market for counterfeit drugs.

International cooperation is also crucial. The global nature of the counterfeit drug trade necessitates collaboration with international regulatory bodies, health organizations, and other countries. Sharing intelligence, harmonizing regulations, and conducting joint operations can disrupt the networks responsible for counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

In conclusion, it suffices to note that the prevalence of counterfeit medications in Nigeria demands urgent and comprehensive action. It is not only a health issue but also a matter of national security and critical public interest.

By strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing enforcement, raising public awareness, and fostering international cooperation, Nigeria can effectively combat the scourge of counterfeit medications and ensure the health and safety of citizens. If complacency persists, the consequences could be catastrophic, further endangering the lives of millions of Nigerians and undermining the nation’s healthcare system.

*Rekpene Bassey, a Security and Drug Prevention expert, is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON).