The Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) has held its 24th annual national scientific conference themed: “Medicine Insecurity: A Major Threat to Public Health” in Lagos.
In her keynote address at the weeklong conference, the Executive Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Uzome Ezeoke called for the right steps and synergy to combat medicine insecurity in the country.
”We have been swallowing the wrong pills for a long time; we keep tolerating what is wrong. My goal today is to challenge us to take tough steps against medicine insecurity,
”We have to take the red pills in order to do the right things. If other nations are better prepared to export pharmaceuticals we have to wake up and see things differently. Let our reflections be different regarding medicine insecurity as men of honour.”
In his welcome address, AHAPN’s National President, Olabode Ogunjemiyo called for urgent intervention of the Federal Government in tackling medicine insecurity noting that the availability of drugs is essential in the delivery of healthcare service in the country.
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”The conference is the 24th of its kind to be organized by the Association with the theme “Medicine Insecurity: A Major Threat to Public Health”. This theme was carefully chosen to reflect the reality of the times. We all know the important roles medicines play in the detection, prevention, and treatment of diseases among the populace. Have you ever imagined what the world would be like without medicines? In order to guarantee the health of the nation, medicine security must be of the essence. However, what we see happening is the non-availability of essential medicines in our health institutions for avoidable reasons. This conference seeks to look at the challenges with medicine security and proffer solutions to them.”
In his opening remarks, state chairperson of AHAPN, Mrs. Modupe Oyawole said: ” Speakers for this conference have been carefully selected to do justice to the theme and subtheme and I have no doubt that we would learn a lot that will help us to be the best we can be at our respective workplaces.”
The chairman of the planning committee, Segun Onakoya, while welcoming delegates to the conference noted that ”medicine insecurity is an issue that affects not only the healthcare provision but also the well-being of our citizens, as it impacts the health of individuals and communities. It is with great urgency we gather today to discuss the underlying factors contributing to this insecurity.
In his goodwill message, the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka said: ” I have listened to all the addresses and I will make sure you are given adequate support. I will deliver your message to the state government.”