Survivors Urge FG to Address Proliferation of Fake Cancer Drugs

Esther Oluku

A group of cancer survivors, Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria (NePiCiN), has called on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health to address the menace of proliferation of fake cancer treatment drugs in Nigeria.

The President NePiCiN, Mrs. Gloria Orji, explained that as a chronic illness, the adverse reactions and inactivity of fake drugs have the potential of causing the death of patients hence the need for a more targeted approach to enable survivors lead longer and healthier lives.

Orji attributed the proliferation of fake drugs to the unavailability of drugs at national oncology pharmacies, forcing patients to seek alternative sources. She advised the government to eliminate middlemen in the sale of cancer drugs and ensure original medications are always available at national oncology pharmacies.

She said: “We are not just battling with the cost of drugs, we are talking about life here. Nobody gets a second chance and it’s quite appalling how this is going. Fake drugs impact the patient as it does a lot of harm and no good.

“When you get a drug and find out it’s not working, a higher one is recommended and you spend more than you would ordinarily. I believe this problem happens because there are middle men who could be supplying you with the good ones but also mix the fake ones and one can’t hold them responsible because they also supply the good ones.

“I also believe that if the government puts their foot down, they can get it right. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) can be used to get these drugs from source, such that patients can get all drugs from the hospital and are not allowed to go outside. That is how it should be.

“At the national hospitals, there are oncology pharmacies. Why can’t drugs be stocked because it explains why people go out to get fake drugs.”

On his part, Engr. Dozie Akwarandu, a member of NePiCiN urged the government to exercise the political will to ensure that policies around the regulation, control and circulation of drugs are enforced to curb this problem.

According to him, agencies like NAFDAC, FCCPC and SON amongst others must work unanimously to checkmate the issue of fake drugs circulation such that from the processes of manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and supply, these drugs are monitored to nip the issue of counterfeit products in the bud.