The Lagos State government has warned residents against patronising drug hawkers, illegal and unlicensed patent medicine and pharmaceutical stores.
The government also warned property owners against allowing their premises to be used as stores by unregistered drug sellers.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. ‘Modele Osunkiyesi, said the government was reviewing reports of the activities of the illegal operators.
According to her, the wrong prescription and administration of drugs might lead to serious health complications, such as kidney damage and even death.
Her words: “The attention of the Lagos State government has been drawn to the nefarious activities of these drug hawkers and illegal pharmaceutical premises dotting the state; such that their operations have called for serious public health concern.
“The government is therefore poised to rid the state of fake drugs and operators of illegal pharmaceutical outlets by enforcing compliance with pharmacy law and regulations.
“The Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods have been mandated to enforce government’s stipulated regulation on drug production, importation, manufacture, sales or display for sales, hawking, distribution, adulteration, and possession of drugs by illegal operators.
“It is important that operators of pharmaceutical shops and patent medicine stores operate within the ambit of the law regulating their operations as the state government would not take it lightly with any operators of pharmaceutical products who disregard the laws of the state.”