...Health info at your doorstep

Interviews

PharmaTimes

Intriguing Interview Stories.

Health info at your doorstep

Apr102018 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Abuse of Ethical Drugs: Strict Prescription Policies Must Be Followed With Good Documentation –Dr. Albert Alkali

Abuse of Ethical Drugs: Strict Prescription Policies Must Be Followed With Good Documentation –Dr. Albert Alkali

Interviews, NEWS
Dr. Albert Kelong Alkali, FPCPharm is the national chairman Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); in this interview with PharmaTimes WAIRE EMONEFE, he talks about his tenure so far and the problems in the health sector. As the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria for over 2 years now, how would you assess your tenure so far? My tenure has been very eventful and we have raised ACPN to another level. For the records, these are some of the things we have done: We have for long been in a rented two bed room flat in Fadeyi, along Ikorodu road, a place formerly used by PSN National. I am very happy to tell you that today we have a brand new National Secretariat in Ladipo Kuku street, off Allen in Ikeja, Lagos state. This will help the effec...
Read More
Mar142018 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Pharmacist Urges Campaign against Drug Abuse in Nigerian Schools

Pharmacist Urges Campaign against Drug Abuse in Nigerian Schools

Interviews, NEWS
Pharm. Adeboye Olusoji Richard is a practising pharmacist based in Calabar, Cross-River State. In this interview with GABRIEL IFINNWA, the community pharmacist who graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria spoke on the need to create awareness on the effects of drug use in Nigerian schools. Excerpts: What are some of the challenges you faced in becoming a pharmacist? Finance was a major challenge for me. When I got admission into the university, my father’s business was having some challenges, so assessing funds to purchase books and other items in school was very difficult. Aside that, as any undergraduate in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, impressing lecturers academically most importantly at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences was not easy. Though, in all it was a goo
Read More
Mar142018 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Regulatory Bodies Need To Step Up In the Fight against Drug Abuse –Pharm Abiola Paul-Ozieh FPCPharm

Regulatory Bodies Need To Step Up In the Fight against Drug Abuse –Pharm Abiola Paul-Ozieh FPCPharm

Interviews, NEWS
Pharm. Abiola Paul-Ozieh FPCPharm is the immediate past Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), Lagos State Chapter. In this interview with PharmaTimes Waire Emonefe, she shares her thoughts on the menace of drug abuse, the challenges faced by community pharmacists and the need for regulatory bodies to step up in the fight against drug abuse What distinguishes the community pharmacist from other pharmacists? Community pharmacists are based in communities, various neighbourhoods; sometimes we are in commercial nerve centres. We are in the nooks and crannies of the society where we offer pharmaceutical services. I believe that our location as the last leg of the distribution value chain in the pharmaceutical service sector, the community pharmacist is the one you see a...
Read More
Feb142018 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
FG Should Provide Adequate Facilities to Encourage Local Drug Production in Nigeria –Lagos PSN Chairman

FG Should Provide Adequate Facilities to Encourage Local Drug Production in Nigeria –Lagos PSN Chairman

Interviews, NEWS
Pharm. Bola Adeniran is the Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State Branch. She spoke in this interview with PharmaTimes GABRIEL IFINNWA on the need for the Federal and State Governments to empower regulatory agencies to fight fake and adulterated products in the country, among other things. You are the first female to occupy the position of Chairman since the inception of the Association. What motivated you to contest the position? In my profession, there is no woman. We are all men of honour. Whoever is elected as Chairman enjoys the cooperation of all. I am motivated by the desire to see a good practice environment for all Pharmacists, be it in the Hospital, Community, Industry and Academia, to be fulfilled in a chosen area of practice thereby giving sound p...
Read More
Feb132018 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Nothing Is Preparing Nigerians for a Diagnosis of Cancer –Dr. Femi Olaleye

Nothing Is Preparing Nigerians for a Diagnosis of Cancer –Dr. Femi Olaleye

Interviews, NEWS
Dr. Femi Olaleye is the Medical Director and CEO of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation - a foundation that has provided free screening to over 50,000 women. He is also the recipient of many awards including the “African Medical Doctor, 2015” award. In this interview with PharmaTimes WAIRE EMONEFE, he speaks on his work, the state of cancer care in Nigeria, and the way forward in the fight against cancer.   Tell us about Optimal Cancer Care Foundation? Optimal Cancer Care Foundation is a non-governmental organisation set up as a charity to help raise awareness on cervical, prostate and breast cancer. We also create access and opportunity for people to get screened and have access to early intervention, techniques and treatment for those people who discover they have abnormalities
Read More
Nov62017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
We Are Expanding Access to Medicines in Nigeria – KCH Manager

We Are Expanding Access to Medicines in Nigeria – KCH Manager

Interviews, NEWS
In year 2000, malaria was identified as one of the biggest impediments to global development, and so it was selected as a critical global target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). KCH Consumer Healthcare Ltd, a fast rising indigenous pharmaceutical company is leaving no stones unturned in its bid to make the desired impact. In this interview with PharmaTimes Reporter, SALLY AHMED, Head of Public Communications & New Media of KCH, Morgan Nwanguma says the company is making medicine accessibility easy. He sheds light on this as well as the company’s doggedness to sustain growth in spite of the daunting macroeconomic environment and peculiar industry challenges. KCH appears passionate about malaria; what’s the special interest? You will agree with me that malaria is a serious
Read More
Oct62017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
How the Pharma Industry in Nigeria Can Compete Globally –NIROPHARM President

How the Pharma Industry in Nigeria Can Compete Globally –NIROPHARM President

Interviews, NEWS
Pharm. Lekan Asuni is the President, Association of Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NIROPHARM). He is also the founder and CEO of LEFAS Pharmaceuticals Limited. In this interview with PharmaTimes Correspondent, GABRIEL IFINNWA, he reveals how drugs manufactured locally can meet international standards, and why the pharma industry still needs government support. Excerpts: What are your major achievements as chairman, Association of Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NIROPHARM)? As you are aware NIROPHARM represents multi-national pharmaceutical manufacturing companies locally. The Association sets and operates on a very high standard. We ensure that the international best practices are met locally. This we do through every...
Read More
Sep192017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Amaju Ezenduka: The Menace of Patent Medicine Dealers, And the Chaos in Delta Drug Market

Amaju Ezenduka: The Menace of Patent Medicine Dealers, And the Chaos in Delta Drug Market

Interviews, NEWS
It must not be lost on us – the fact that Community Pharmacists are at a strategic vantage position to contribute to nation building, as well as making the health sector to function better. Pharm. (Mrs.) Amaju Ezenduka is a community pharmacist operating in Warri, Delta State where she is also saddled with the responsibility of public enlightenment on behalf of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) in that part of the country. She bares her mind to PharmaTimes Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA, on what she terms a chaotic situation in Delta State, and the nation at large. In nation building everyone has a duty or role to play. The community is where social interactions of all sorts take place at the grassroots. The community is where you mingle with the masses; it is the root o
Read More
Aug152017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Why Nigeria’s Pharma Industry Must Be Transparent – Teresa Pounds

Why Nigeria’s Pharma Industry Must Be Transparent – Teresa Pounds

Interviews, NEWS
Dr. Teresa Pounds is the Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Pharmacy Residency Programme Director, Wellstar Atlanta Medical Centre, in Atlanta, Georgia - USA. In this interview with PharmaTimes’ Gabriel Ifinnwa, she speaks about the pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria, and how to curb the high cost of drugs in the country. Excerpts: Tell us about yourself? My name is Teresa Pounds. I am a native of Asaba, Delta State; I went to pharmacy school in the US. I obtained my bachelor of science, Doctor of Pharmacy, and then I did my post graduate residency where I specialised in Parental nutrition support and critical care. I have been practising in the US for more than 20 years. I am currently the Clinical Pharmacy manager and Director at Wellstar, Atlanta Medical Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, US. I
Read More
Jul272017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
70% Of Nigeria’s Pharma Sector Is Import Dependent – Falabi, NAIP National Chairman

70% Of Nigeria’s Pharma Sector Is Import Dependent – Falabi, NAIP National Chairman

Interviews, NEWS
Pharm. Gbenga Falabi is the General Manager Green Life Pharmaceuticals Limited, and the National Chairman of Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP). In this interview with PharmaTimes Correspondent, GABRIEL IFINNWA, he gives an insight into how the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria can stop being import dependent, and why a pharmacist should be appointed as the Director General of NAFDAC. Excerpts: What are your achievements as National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP)? First, we set out (I and my executive) to ensure unity of purpose within the industry. That was the mandate we were given. Secondly, as an association we looked at ways we can improve on the welfare of our members. Also, to strategise on ways the profession can contribute to o...
Read More
May232017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Private Partnership In Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System: Prospects, Challenges And Way Forward

Private Partnership In Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System: Prospects, Challenges And Way Forward

Interviews, NEWS
Involvement of Private entities to participate in healthcare strengthening has been a drive to achieve national health goals in Nigeria. Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Health is the collaboration of both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, working harmoniously to harness and optimise the use of all available resources, knowledge and facilities required to promote efficient, effective, affordable, accessible, equitable and sustainable healthcare for all people in Nigeria. PROSPECTS In the MDG era, National Policy on Public Private Partnership for health in Nigeria was adopted in 2004 to meet the healthcare need of the entire population. The involvement of Private interest groups and actors in healthcare provisioning was due to the deplorable national health profile and de...
Read More
May222017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
15 Million Nigerians Are Suffering From Asthma – Dr. Efosa Erhabor

15 Million Nigerians Are Suffering From Asthma – Dr. Efosa Erhabor

Interviews, NEWS
A day in the month of May every year is set aside in which countries observe the World Asthma Day. It is an annual event organised to improve asthma awareness and care. Dr. Gregory Efosa Erhabor is a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Chest Physician at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; he is also the President & Founder, Asthma and Chest care Foundation in Nigeria, as well as Chairman, National Asthma Committee. In this interview with PharmaTimes Correspondent, GABRIEL IFINNWA, he sheds light on the prevalence of Asthma in Nigeria, and the need to create specialised centres to manage the condition in the country. What exactly is asthma? Asthma is a disease characterised by chronic airway inflammation making it difficult for someone to breathe. Usually respiratory symptoms su
Read More
May42017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
‘June Deadline Feasible for Dismantling Open Drug Markets’

‘June Deadline Feasible for Dismantling Open Drug Markets’

Interviews
What has become of the Federal Task on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs? Federal Task on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs is a team that is supposed to be led by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and its primary responsibility is to carry out raids on illegal outlets that stock fake drugs in this country. That task force needs to be reactivated and be put to work to ensure that we try and clean up fake products in circulation. The Task Force is supposed to be supported by the State Task Forces on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs. Hence, it is a Federal and State issue still led by officers from NAFDAC, the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, PCN, the representatives of law enforcement agencies. During the military era, it was a robust task force that was ab...
Read More
Apr122017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Early intervention will produce great improvements in Autistic Children – Akande

Early intervention will produce great improvements in Autistic Children – Akande

Interviews, NEWS
Mrs. Dotun Akande is the founder and Proprietress of the Patrick Speech and Languages Centre in Lagos. She is a strong advocate for Autism awareness in Nigeria. In this exclusive interview with GABRIEL IFINNWA, she speaks about the challenges facing children with autism in Nigeria, as well as roles parents can play in managing autistic children. What is Autism? Autism is a developmental disability that affects social and communication skills. People with Autism may find it difficult to understand how the world and people around them operate, and also find it hard to interact. In particular, people with Autism may have trouble learning, understanding and interpreting the unwritten rules of social interaction and relationships that most people without Autism can take for granted. What are...
Read More
Apr102017 by PharmaTimesNo Comments
Nigeria Needs to Invest in the Pharmaceutical Sector – NAPPSA, President

Nigeria Needs to Invest in the Pharmaceutical Sector – NAPPSA, President

Interviews, NEWS
Dr. Nkere Ebube is the President of Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA). In this interview with PharmaTimes Correspondent, GABRIEL IFINNWA, he proffers solutions to the increasing high cost of drugs in the country. What is the mandate of NAPPSA? Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas, Inc. (NAPPSA) is an umbrella organisation of Nigerian pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, allied scientists and academia in the Americas. Our mission is to serve as a forum for interaction between Nigerian Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Scientists and related healthcare professionals in a quest to improve research and development of drugs, education and pharmacy care in Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the worl...
Read More