The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially reopened the Bridgehead medicine market in Onitsha, following a period of intensive sanitization. This announcement comes after the market was temporarily shut down to rectify irregularities in the drug distribution system.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the Southeast, provided clarity on the situation in an interview newsmen on Monday, stating, “The medicine market at Bridgehead, Onitsha, was reopened on March 7 following a shutdown for comprehensive sanitisation.” This confirmation addresses earlier reports that had misconstrued the agency’s actions.
The market, specifically Ogbo Ogwu and three adjacent markets, was initially closed from February 10 to March 7, as part of NAFDAC’s efforts to streamline and regulate the distribution of pharmaceutical products. Iluyomade emphasized that the reopening was contingent upon strict adherence to administrative protocols.
“There were administrative conditions every shop owner had to fulfil before their shops, previously sealed during the operation, could be unsealed,” he explained. “The process was put in place to prevent the recurrence of the issues that led to the market’s closure.”
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Highlighting the critical nature of pharmaceutical regulation, Iluyomade stated, “Pharmaceuticals are highly regulated due to their impact on public health and national security.” He reiterated NAFDAC’s mandate, as outlined in the NAFDAC Act, which is “to regulate and control the sales and distribution of drugs.”
Addressing misconceptions surrounding the market’s status, Iluyomade clarified, “The market had not been closed, contrary to reports from some media outlets.” He elaborated on the ongoing process, emphasizing that it was primarily focused on “documenting and regularising the shops, ensuring that no shop would be unsealed without completing the necessary clearance procedures.” To facilitate this, NAFDAC has established “a special desk to facilitate this process efficiently.”
Iluyomade expressed gratitude towards the market leadership and the Anambra State government for their collaborative efforts. “Iluyomade thanked the market leadership and the Anambra state government for their cooperation and understanding.”
He also addressed concerns about internal conflicts within the market, asserting, “The agency was not aware of any internal conflicts within the market.”
© Ripples Nigeria
