Doris Obinna
The Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association (LSMDA) has urged government to assist in issuance of licence to members.
Speaking during the second edition luncheon and award in Lagos, first vice president, LSMDA, Alphonsus Okoroji, said with government’s intervention in the area licence was of importance to the association.
He said: “If government can assist to issue licence to members, it will go a long way in helping us, and we will be very grateful.
“You know, we are the ones distributing these drugs to the end users. We are so many; some have registered; some are still applying and waiting for approval. We’re also hoping that people should stop buying drugs by the roadside.
“The luncheon affords us the opportunity to interact with companies, registrars, pharmaceutical industries and other stakeholder on the health care of the end users, and also give awards to those who merit it.
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“We have about 20 awards given it to outstanding companies and individual who have identified and partnered with us as well as distinguished themselves in the business by contributing either directly or indirectly to the growth of the health care in the country.”
On his part, president, LSMDA Kelvison Okpara, said, the award to distinguished icons was borne out of their achievements and the way they have impacted people’s lives.
According to him, “you know, it’s one thing to have money and it’s another to help others. So the award is a way of saying ‘thanking you’ for their contribution in the health sector.
“However, we are more than 10,000 in Lagos; we are so many. We are making sure that our people are doing the right thing by paying their taxes, having their licences, and making sure that they sell the right drugs.
“To ensure that all these are done by our members, we work with the Ministry of Health, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other regulatory bodies to ensure that members comply with the rules and laws governing the association.”
Secretary General, Hon. Chuks Ezenwile, said: “The stakeholders holders is of importance as they help us to have an overview of our activities, appraise our outings and dealings and reward some key persons who have participated actively in the drug industry.”