NAFDAC introduces new technology to combat counterfeit medical products

By Ramatu Garba

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday said it has introduced GreenBook, Traceability Project, and Pediatric Policy to combat counterfeit medical products.

Its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Adeyeye, represented by Mr Bitrus Fraden, NAFDAC’s Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, said GreenBook serves as a tool to help consumers identify and avoid potentially fake or substandard products.

Adeyeye who spoke at a meeting for sensitizing stakeholders on detecting substandard and falsified medical products in the Northwest Zone added that Traceability is a legal framework for tracking products along the supply chain, while the Pediatric Regulation 2024 is designed to address the special medical needs of children.

“With this technology, stakeholders can detect and prevent the entry of fake products into the supply chain,” she said.

Adeyeye said the workshop aimed to provide information, raise awareness of healthcare givers, manufacturers, and wholesalers, among others and offer training on the three new technologies to detect fake products.

“Now that counterfeiters have adopted more sophisticated methods to advance their trade, the agency is poised to use technologies and modern means to mitigate their activities.

“Therefore, the sensitisation of stakeholders is highly relevant,” she added.

According to her, NAFDAC over the years, has deployed various measures to combat substandard and fake products, including consumer safety publications, publication of counterfeit products in newspapers, TV programmes and social media handles.

Adeyeye called on all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to support the initiatives to combat fake products and ensure Nigerians have access to quality, safe, and effective medical products.

Also, Mr Fraden Mullah, Director of the Northwest Zone, noted that the zone was challenged with fake and counterfeit products, particularly in Kano, making it difficult to identify and categorise them as substandard.

“The agency has the power to prosecute anyone found guilty, depending on the offence. Punishments ranging from closure and seizure to revoking certificates,” he said.

Stakeholders from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Nurses, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, and Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) attended the event. (NAN)