The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has justified reopening the Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The NAFDAC announced the closure of the drug market from February 10 to March 7 to address lapses in the distribution of medicines.
Another reason the agency gave for the closure was for sanitisation and regulatory enforcement.
The agency, through its X handle on Wednesday, clarified that to prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the closure, it implemented strict administrative conditions for reopening.
NAFDAC said, “Shop owners were required to complete documentation and clearance procedures before their shops could be unsealed.
“A dedicated NAFDAC desk was established to facilitate this process efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
“The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasises that the market has now been reopened, with all shop owners directed through their union to obtain and sign an undertaking, along with a penalty for past violations of distribution regulations.
“Only shops that meet these conditions will be allowed to resume operations. Pharmaceuticals are highly regulated due to their direct impact on public health and national security.
“Under the NAFDAC Act, the agency remains committed to ensuring that all drug distribution channels comply with safety and regulatory standards.
“NAFDAC appreciates the cooperation of the market leadership and the Anambra State Government in facilitating this critical intervention.”
Why We Reopened Onitsha Drug Market — NAFDAC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
