The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharmacist Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai has approved a special programme organized to create awareness and eradicate drug abuse in Nigeria called ‘Drug Abuse Round Table’.

Pharmacist Yakasai made this known while speaking with CEOAfrica in preparation of the annual PSN conference where he stated that, the drug abuse round table is one of the solutions in regards to eradication of drug abuse in Nigeria, which will form a catalyst to help abusers come out of addiction and help create awareness on how to use drugs.

He lauded effort of the Oyo state chapter of PSN for initiating the round table program in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In other hand, the PSN President decried the act of medical practitioners who prescribe and dispense drugs to patients anyhow. He said ’‘it was PSN that brought about the prescription policy which states that medical professionals should not exceed their boundaries. But it’s so unfortunate that Doctors, Nurses, Health workers, prescribe and dispense drugs anyhow. Only those licensed to prescribe should do so to the appropriate patient.’’

The PSN boss explained that access to drugs can be controlled if the Minister of health can shut down illegal drug markets. ‘‘We really need to do it right by having inter-professional collaboration to support each other.’’

He urged the Federal government not to limit the works of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). ‘‘NAFDAC has just resumed to the seaports last month. The borders are so corrupt, that is why we will continue to agitate that NAFDAC should be at the airports, seaports and land borders.’’

He also stated that, drug abuse round table

‘’Also, parents, clerics, traditional rulers, schools all have roles to play if we really want to curb drug abuse. The availability of drugs is a serious issue but we need to control, enforce and sanction. If the laws are no longer effective, then, let it be reviewed.’’

The PSN President encourage schools to re-introduce drug abuse clubs or societies. ‘‘June 26 which is world drug abuse day should not only be the time we create awareness and say no to drug abuse. It must be something that is constant. So the education sector should see to it. That is why the PSN is also going digital.’’

He further made a call to the federal government to construct separate rehabilitation centres for those who really need help. ‘‘People don’t want to visit the psychiatric hospital for rehabilitation because of the stigma. So the federal government should construct rehab centres. This will also help addicts to come out of their shell.’’