By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Director-General of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA), Pharmacist Kim Bot, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating substandard and falsified drugs in the state.
Speaking with our correspondent in his office in Jos, Bot said Plateau is winning the war against fake drugs.
He recalled that the Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council, Hon. Pirfa Tyem, recently raised an alarm over the interception of fake drugs in his area.
Reacting, Bot assured that the government of Governor Caleb Mutfwang would continue to intensify efforts to eliminate substandard medications in the state.
“I am deeply concerned about recent reports regarding the circulation of substandard medications,” he said.
“I am aware that NAFDAC has done a great deal to address this menace. In fact, in the first quarter of this year, Plateau was listed among the states that reduced the circulation of substandard drugs by 63 percent.”
He explained that the establishment of the agency had made it easier to trace and flag medications below standard.
“As an agency, we procure drugs directly from manufacturers, ensuring they provide all quality assurance documents. Upon delivery, we verify and physically assess them on site,” Bot stated.
“Our warehouse conditions meet global best practices. We maintain proper humidity, temperature, storage infrastructure, and also account for gravity and shelf life. Furthermore, we have set up a mini laboratory with basic analytical equipment. Sometimes, we conduct spot checks using chromatographic separation to detect adulteration.”
Bot revealed that the agency recently discovered a substandard antibiotic suspension meant for children which, shockingly, contained fecal matter and lacked sufficient active ingredients to meet therapeutic levels.
“This is unacceptable in Plateau State. We will not tolerate it, and we are determined to step up our game,” he declared.
According to him, since the state had already achieved 63 percent reduction in the circulation of fake drugs, the agency would not relent until it achieved 100 percent.
“By September 10, this agency will mark one year since it was commissioned by the governor. If we’ve achieved 63 percent in one year, we believe the only way is upward,” he added.
He further explained that the agency operates on a strong legal framework. “The law signed on October 27, 2022, by former Governor Simon Lalong clearly empowers us to curb substandard medications and promote local manufacturing, as well as enter public-private partnerships to guarantee access to safe and quality drugs.”
Bot also disclosed plans to establish a microbiology laboratory to test both drugs and food items.
“We’ve observed rising cases of food poisoning and are concerned about chemicals used to tenderize meats in abattoirs. These substances contribute to cancer, fibroids, and fertility problems. Once the lab is ready, we will collect food samples, test them, and sanction violators. The law gives us that power,” he said.
Currently, the agency distributes medications only to public health facilities, including over 1,000 Primary Health Centres, 19 General Hospitals, and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital.
“Our goal is to ensure affordability, availability, and accessibility of safe and effective drugs,” he said.
He clarified that private pharmacies are regulated by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), but the agency works closely with them.
“In fact, we recently held a meeting with NAFDAC and PCN on pharmacovigilance. Through our Drug Information Centre, any adverse drug reactions from medications purchased at private pharmacies can be reported and flagged,” Bot noted.
He also revealed that the agency has developed a system to flag drugs six months before expiration, allowing proactive distribution to IDPs, indigent persons, and through medical outreaches.
On the recent case in Langtang North, Bot said the agency would trace the product, identify its source, and take appropriate action, whether it was due to a manufacturing flaw or an idiosyncratic reaction.
He urged Plateau residents to continue supporting the Mutfwang administration, assuring them that the state is on the right path in the fight against fake and substandard drugs.
