…as Kaduna pharmacists honour PSN president, deputy
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has expressed deep concern over the growing abuse of pharmaceutical opioids such as Tramadol and codeine among youths in the North West region, describing the trend as “alarming.”
The governor made the remarks during a reception organised by the Kaduna branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in honour of its newly elected national president, pharmacist Ayuba Ibrahim, and deputy president (North), Pharmacist Aisha Isyaku.
Speaking through the Director General of the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse (KADBUSA), Joseph O. Ike, Governor Sani called on the PSN to take proactive steps in tackling the escalating misuse of opioids among young people.
He urged the new PSN leadership to build on existing efforts and deliver even greater impact to improve healthcare delivery in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
According to him, “As you are aware, in Nigeria, 1 out of 7 people use drugs according to the 2018 UNODC Survey. However, here in Northwestern Nigeria, we see an unacceptably high prevalence of abuse of pharmaceutical opioids like Tramadol and Codeine. This is especially worrying because we know that 1 out of 5 users of these types of drugs are addicted to them, and this portends not just a public health but security and developmental challenge for the region.
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“With the new leadership at the national level, and with Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ibrahim as President and Pharm. Aisha Tukur Isyaku, as Deputy President North, we are confident that this partnership will be further strengthened and yield even greater results for the betterment of healthcare in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.”
He described Pharmacists as an indispensable part of the healthcare ecosystem, adding, “Your expertise in dispensing medications, patient counselling, drug information, and increasingly, in public health initiatives, is vital to achieving our collective goal of providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all citizens of Kaduna state.”
In his goodwill message, chairman, PSC, Kaduna branch, Pharm. Sunday, Ali expressed confidence that the new leadership will usher in an era of progressive reforms, renewed advocacy and greater unity across the profession.
The chairman, organising committee, Pharm. Jijiwa Fufore described the new President as a shining example of dedication, professionalism, humility and service.
He then assured of thier continued support to advancing the profession, strengthening the PSN, promoting excellence and advising for a healthcare system where the role of pharmacists is fully recognise and respected.
In his response, the new PSN national president pledged to uplift the society and the profession to greater heights.