The Nation Newspaper

Tag: pharmacist

  • Kidnapped pharmacist found in Imo River

    Few days after his kidnap, an Imo State pharmacist, Kelechi Uchendu, has been found floating on Okwuohia river.

    The victim, who was suspected to have been drowned by his abductors after he was kidnapped while returning from work, had bullet holes riddled all over his body.

    A family source said the kidnappers had contacted the victim’s wife of and demanded ransom.

    “The family had pleaded with the kidnappers to spare his life while we try to meet their demand but they went ahead and killed him and dumped him in the river,” he said.

    The source, who could not confirm if the family paid the ransom, said Uchendu’s body was discovered by villagers, who went to fetch water.

    A police source said the victim may have died from the gunshot injuries he sustained while struggling with his abductors.

    “The police had advised the family to speak with the victim to ensure that he was still alive before negotiating or paying the ransom.”

    Police spokesperson Ms. Joy Elemoko confirmed the incident.

  • Standardise herbal products, says pharmacist

    Despite the death of many Nigerians from the consumption of questionable herbal products, the practice is still prevalent, a pharmacist has said.

    Former chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State branch, Mr Bola Oyawole, warned that most herbal concoctions have not been standardised.

    He said those that should be consumed are those listed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    According to him, the agency usually lists drugs that have passed its toxicity test and are not harmful or injurious to health.

    He said such drugs may not be potent but then, such are not hazardous to health, and as such, safe for consumption. “For the injurious substances that will be going into the body are curtailed,” he added.

    Oyawole said water can be a potential danger to health, not to talk of harmful substances that one may not know their sources. “Physicians often advise people to boil water which source is questionable or unknown to prevent diseases,” he added.

    He said it is possible that some leaves may have been sprayed with chemicals such as herbicide, pesticides and other dangerous chemicals.

    “If herbicides, pesticides sprayed on leaves or plants are used on herbal plants it means another thing has entered into them. And this kills flies and insects so it can harm or kill humans. So people can’t really guarantee what they are taking,” Oyawole said.

    A traditional medicine practitioner, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, said herbal plants should be cultivated in a healthy environment because of its significance.

    He said well-grown plants often have the required

    properties. “Whatever you consume should be able to help your system and not affect it negatively.”