Fake Drugs Kill Faster Than Bandits — Ondo CMD

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo, Prof. Michael Gbala, has expressed grave concerns over the escalating threat posed by counterfeit medicines. During a visit to the hospital by Dr. Samuel Oluwaoromipin Adekota, UNIMEDTH's Senior Consultant on Pharmaceutical and Medical Investments, Gbala emphasized that fake drugs could prove more lethal than armed criminals.

He called for immediate action to protect the pharmaceutical supply chain. In a statement following the meeting, Gbala stressed the adverse effects of substandard and counterfeit medicines, describing them as a "silent but deadly threat to public health." He warned that "fake drugs kill faster than bandits," urging for stricter monitoring and quality assurance during the procurement and distribution of medicines.

Gbala recounted a personal experience where he questioned the authenticity of a drug after purchasing it for his daughter at a premium price. He stressed that even with the purchase from a recognized supplier, such as Drug Management Agency (DMA), there is no guarantee of a drug's authenticity. Gbala called for improved collaboration between UNIMEDTH and the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (OSDHCMA) to ensure the availability of safe and quality medicines to patients.

He highlighted the urgency of the issue, given the large number of patients relying on the hospital for treatment. Gbala also advocated for the identification and adequate stocking of life-saving medications, particularly those required during emergencies, and stressed the importance of having reliable alternative sources whenever existing suppliers are unable to meet demand.

While acknowledging improvements in the DMA's performance, Gbala emphasized that more work needs to be done to strengthen the medicine supply chain. He urged stakeholders to enhance drug procurement, distribution, and monitoring systems to avert patients from being exposed to fake or substandard medicines. Gbala also advocated for proper documentation of drug orders and instances where suppliers fail to meet requests, asserting that these measures would improve accountability and transparency within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

He expressed support for the Ondo State Government's efforts to enhance medicines management and assured UNIMEDTH's readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure access to safe, effective, and quality medicines across the state.