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May212020 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

“We are Building for a Better Future” -NCDC Boss

On May 3, 2020, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control featured on Sunday Politics, a weekly programme aired on Channels Television. He gave insight into on-going efforts by his agency to ramp up 2 million tests of COVID-19 by July, as well as building infrastructure for a better control of diseases in future. PharmaTimes Senior Correspondent, CHIGBU NWAOBIA monitored the personality interview in Lagos. Excerpts: The easing of lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and FCT starts Monday, May 4, what are your expectations? Let’s find out what the purpose for the lockdown is. Four weeks ago when Mr. President instituted restriction of movement focusing particularly on FCT, Lagos, and Ogun States, there were three purposes. The one everybody remembers is that

Jul112019 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

Drugs and Substance Abuse: Nigerians Should Stop Living in Denial –Pharm. Clara Anyanwu

Interviews, NEWS

According to experts, the issue of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria has already become an epidemic of some sort, yet the people have continued to live in denial. In a report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime pertaining to Drug Use in Nigeria 2018, it states that an estimated 14.4 per cent (range 14 per cent - 14.8 per cent) of the population, or 14.3 million people between 15 and 64 years of age had used drugs, excluding alcohol and tobacco, in 2017. The report which was jointly singed by the Federal Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac F. Adewole, and Dr. Yemi Kale, Statistician-General of the Federation states that: “This estimate includes people who had used a drug at least once in the past 12 months as well high-risk drug users. The estimates have been ad

Apr82019 by PharmaTimes364 Comments

Pharmacists Need Business Orientation, Additional Skills in Business Mgt –Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade

Interviews, NEWS

Pharm Abiodun Ajibade, FPSN is the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Oyo State Chapter. He is also the founder of the WhatsApp Group ‘Pharmacists’ Affairs”. In this Interview with PharmaTimes’s WAIRE EMONEFE, he speaks on his work, the challenges facing PSN in Oyo State and the mission to save Community Pharmacies. As Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Oyo State, how would you say the pharmaceutical profession in your state is faring? Being the Chairman of the PSN Oyo State is one challenging responsibility as it expands your daily activities which are already enlarged with having to cope with one’s professional calling and practices. By and large, it is an opportunity to contribute my quota to the development of Pharmacy profession. T

Mar152019 by PharmaTimes321 Comments

Cancer Not a Death Sentence; Early Detection and Prevention is Key

Interviews, NEWS

Many healthcare practitioners today are beginning to allude to the (fact) that Cancer may just be a ‘lifestyle related disease’ of metabolic conditions, and not genetic - resulting only due to mutations. It becomes pertinent then to stress that due to modernisation it seems, mankind may just be paying a huge price for his sophistication and derailment from nature as it were. But what exactly is the cause of the dreaded plague – Cancer? Is cancer curable? Dr. Bindiya Chugani, is Centre Director, Lakeshore Cancer Centre – Lagos, while Dr. Oge Ilegbune is a family physician, and Head of Strategy Development and Outreach at the Centre. In this chat with PharmaTimes Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA, they both try to lend answers to these questions while stressing the importance of awareness which i

Feb122019 by PharmaTimes450 Comments

Research Is a Challenge for Nigerian Universities –Odeku, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNIBADAN

Interviews, NEWS

Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku, is the Dean Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. In this interview with Pharmatimes Correspondent - GABRIEL IFINNWA, she identified lack of adequate research grant as the reason for the low rating of Nigerian universities. She also provides nuggets for young aspiring pharmacists who want to excel in their chosen careers. Can you give us a background about yourself? I am Oluwatoyin Odeku. I am a Professor of Pharmaceutics and Industrial pharmacy. I am also the Dean Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. I was born in Kaduna State. I attended St. Michael’s Primary school in Kaduna state. I had my secondary school education at Government Girls Secondary school, Kachia, Kaduna state. Thereafter my parents moved to Ilorin, Kwara State. That was how

Jan92019 by PharmaTimes1423 Comments

Pharmacy Must Welcome Innovation –Abimbola Adebakin

Interviews, NEWS

Abimbola Adebakin is the CEO of Advantage Health Africa, a company with a focus on the African Healthcare System. In this interview with PharmaTimes WAIRE EMONEFE, she talks about her work, sheds light on CPN Nexus and shares her thought on ‘Innovative Disruption’ in the Pharmaceutical Industry. What is Advantage Health Africa about? Advantage Health Africa seeks to find solutions to some problems we have identified in the health sector. We found that there are many gaps in the health sector, so we want to bring ‘advantages’ to the health sector. Our focus is on African healthcare system as a whole. We have started with the Pharmaceutical vertical, and we picked the community end of that vertical for starters. As we begin to scale up we see ourselves being relevant with the clini

Nov72018 by PharmaTimes384 Comments

Hypertension Is On the Rise among Nigerian Youths –Cardiologist

Interviews, NEWS

Dr. Folasade Alli is the Medical Director and Chief of Cardiology at the Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Clinic (LECC). She is a Consultant Cardiologist with over 30 years of experience. In this interview with GABRIEL IFINNWA, she talks about high blood pressure and she gave an insight into the increase in heart-related problems among young people in the country. What is hypertension? Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.The pressure depends on the work being done by the heart and the resistance of the blood vessels. In effect, the heart and the blood vessels work together. What are the common symptoms of hypertension that Nigerians should be mindful of? High blood pressure often has...

Sep122018 by PharmaTimes393 Comments

The Next PSN President Must Maintain High Standards –Dr. Ayorinde, Former NAPA Chairman

Interviews, NEWS

Dr. John Ayorinde is the immediate past Chairman of the National Association of Pharmacists in the Academia (NAPA). He is presently a Senior Faculty member in Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. In this interview with GABRIEL IFINNWA, he examines the limitations in the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria, the presence of fake drugs in the Nigerian market amongst other issues. Excerpts: What is your thought on those advocating for a ban on imported pharmaceutical products to encourage patronage of made-in-Nigeria products especially drugs? There are two sides to it: One, it will encourage and boost local production of pharmaceuticals which in turn have a positive impact on the nation’s economy. However, a total ban on imported pharmaceutical products will block users of medicines fro

Sep122018 by PharmaTimes351 Comments

Nigeria must take drastic measures to end drug abuse -Dr. Nkere Ebube, former NAPPSA President (Part 2)

Interviews, NEWS

In this edition we conclude the media chat between PharmaTimes Correspondent, GABRIEL IFINNWA and Dr. Nkere Ebube - former President of Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA) which began last month. He dwells much on how drug abuse among young people can be curbed, as well as how the country can urgently attain sustainable health coverage for all in the nearest future. How can we stop the menace of drug abuse, especially among the youths in Nigeria? As mentioned earlier, the threats of drug abuse transcend age group, gender, sex, ethnic group, political affiliation and economic class. It is a fight that we must win. It would require a collective effort and collaboration between the regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions and profes...

Sep112018 by PharmaTimes181 Comments

Underperformance in the Nation’s Healthcare System Is Policy Driven – Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa

Interviews, NEWS

In recent years the pharmaceutical healthcare landscape of the nation has continued to assume a turn for the better. As industry practitioners continue to emphasise, the practice is now more of patient-centred. Meanwhile as the apex body of pharmacists in the land, PSN gears up to elect a new executive team come November, a number of top-notchers are getting ready for the presidential ticket. In this media chat, PharmaTimes Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA, and Correspondent, ‘WAIRE EMONEFE accost one of the aspirants, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa on his perspectives on these and other sundry matters. Excerpts: As a senior member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the apex body of practising pharmacists in the country, considering your vast experiences in the industry, how would you assess the

Aug142018 by PharmaTimes322 Comments

Nigeria Must Take Drastic Measures to End Drug Abuse –Dr. Nkere Ebube, Former NAPPSA President

Interviews, NEWS

Former President of Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA), Dr. Nkere Ebube has called for urgent action on drug abuse, describing it as a global crisis that transcends age group, gender, sex, ethnic group, political affiliation and economic class. Ebube who is also an Adjunct Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at Roosevelt University, USA in this interview with GABRIEL IFINNWA, said that opioid abuse has assumed epidemic proportion and advised the Nigerian Government to improve the healthcare delivery system in the country. Excerpts: What is your opinion on opioid addiction? Opioid abuse and addiction is a global crisis with epidemic proportion. It transcends culture, gender, and socio-economic class. Opioid epide...

Jul62018 by PharmaTimes420 Comments

Banning Codeine Cough Syrup Is Not the Solution – Pharm. Lolu Ojo, Former NAIP Chairman

Interviews, NEWS

Pharm. Lolu Ojo is the Managing Director, Merit Healthcare Limited and a former Chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP). In this interview with GABRIEL IFINNWA he described the recent Government ban on the production and sales of codeine cough syrup as not the solution. He also shared his perspectives on contemporary issues in the sector; Excerpts. What is your view on the ban by the Government on the production and import of cough syrups containing codeine? First is to commend government for doing something swiftly to combat the menace of the drug abuse. This is not the usual action of this government known for dithering on issues requiring urgent action. However, the ban may not be the solution to the problem. On a short term basis, it will reduce ...

May232018 by PharmaTimes382 Comments

1% Health Fund will Reduce Poverty, Drive Growth – PSN

Interviews, NEWS

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on Tuesday commended the Senate for providing one percent allocation of the Consolidated Revenue Fund as basic health fund in the 2018 budgetary allocation to the health sector. PSN specifically commended the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki for keeping to his promise on the fund which is a provision of the National Health Act 2014. In a statement signed by the PSN President, Ahmed Yakasai, the society enumerated the various merits of the fund, saying it would improve health, reduce poverty, create jobs, drive economic growth by healthy citizens and prevent epidemics. It commended the lawmakers for providing N57bn in this year’s budget as provided by the National Health Act 2014 which was passed in 2014 but not “fully implemented till date”

May142018 by PharmaTimes360 Comments

Porous Drug Distribution System Responsible For Rampant Drug Abuse –Pharm George Okon

Interviews, NEWS

Pharm. George Okon is the zonal coordinator of ACPN Eti-Osa Local Government Area, and the superintendent pharmacist of a Lagos-based community pharmacy. In this interview with PharmaTimes Waire Emonefe, he shares his thoughts concerning the leadership of ACPN as well as the role of the pharmacist in fighting drug abuse. You were an aspirant for the state chairmanship position in the recently concluded ACPN Lagos Chapter elections; why did you step forth to contest? Many community pharmacists in Lagos are unhappy with the leadership of the ACPN, Lagos State Chapter. This is the reason why you do not see them in meetings and other functions. The only thing that makes community pharmacists feel that they are part of the ACPN is the annual dues that they pay, and that is because it is compu...

May82018 by PharmaTimes268 Comments

I Risked My Life to Expose ‘Codeine Cartel’, Says Soyinka, BBC Editor

Interviews, NEWS

If you are yet to read about or watch the documentary entitled ‘Sweet Sweet Codeine’, perhaps you haven’t been on social media or moved close to the television in recent times. In a five-month undercover investigation, Adejuwon Soyinka, editor of BBC Pidgin, and Ruona Meyer, a BBC correspondent, led a team of reporters across the country, interacting with victims of drug abuse and those making profit out of their misfortune. The investigation revealed how some corrupt officials of big pharmaceutical companies conspire with distributors who violate the standard procedure by making the cough syrup available in the open market, thereby giving the public uncontrolled access to it. Twenty-four hours after the documentary was aired, the ministry of health banned the production and import of co