YENAGOA – Some residents of Bayelsa have commended the state government for establishing a central drug distribution centre in the state.
The residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Sunday said the centre would ensure the supply of genuine drugs.
They also called for strict enforcement of drug laws to curtail the menace of fake drugs in the country.
Mr Ebimo Clement, a civil servant, said that the establishment of the centre had led to a new dawn in the state government’s healthcare programme.
Clement said that the measure would improve health services in Bayelsa.
“I heard that the centre will serve as a distribution centre for sellers; I urge the government to sustain the initiative.
“We are happy because the involvement of government in distribution of drugs will guarantee the supply of sufficient and genuine drugs,” Clement said.
Mrs Jennet Depriye, a teacher, said that the establishment of the central drug distribution centre would benefit the people, especially the poor masses.
Depriye said that it would enable poor residents to have access to cheap and genuine drugs.
“The drugs will be cheaper than they would have been if they were sourced directly from the open market.
“I know that the centre will not only help to checkmate supply of fake drugs in Bayelsa but will contribute immensely to quality health services.
“The state government should try to employ professional healthcare personnel in the management of the centre,” she said.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Ayibatonye Owei, said the centre would commence distribution of drugs by the end of the month.
“The centre will serve as a checkpoint for every drug that comes into the state; it will also serve as a point of distribution to retail and wholesale drug dealers.
“The centre will receive drugs directly from the manufacturers all over the globe. This will really go a long way in the fight against fake drugs in the state,” he said.
Owei also said that the state would soon commence the registration of pharmacies and chemists in the state in line with its campaign against fake drugs. (NAN)
