NMA backs quit notice to drug traders in Kano

The medical association said the Kano government is on the right path concerning drug trade.

The Kano State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has expressed its support for the quit notice served on drug traders by the State Government.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the association, Shehi Abubakar, and Secretary, Sherihudeen Mashi, issued in Kano on Tuesday.

The statement noted that the government’s directive stopping the sale of drugs at open markets was aimed at sanitising the sale of pharmaceutical drugs in the state. It noted that the measure would also go a long way in reducing the distribution of fake and counterfeited drugs.

The association said that the government’s decision to ban the sale of drugs like vegetables and grains in Sabon Gari Market should be supported as the practice was capable of jeopardising the people’s health.

It recalled that the recent collaboration of the State Government and NAFDAC had led to the destruction of adulterated drugs worth over N600 million.

‘’Statistics have also shown that Kano State is number one in drug abuse in the country which is detrimental to the health status of the citizens, especially the youths who contribute to the productive segment of the state’s population,” the association said.

The NMA appealed to stakeholders to give maximum support to the State Government’s initiative to eradicate fake and counterfeit drugs.

The State Government had given drug traders up to December 31 to leave the popular Sabon Gari Market or face the wrath of the law.