The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Oyo State Branch, has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the passage of the state's Drug Management Bill. The bill, which aims to establish a Drug Management Agency for Oyo State, passed its second reading in the state House of Assembly in February 2025 but has yet to be transmitted to the governor for assent. This delay is denying Oyo the benefits of improved drug safety and cost reduction.
The PSN Chairman, Pharm (Col) Victor Segun Ajanaku (rtd), said the proposed agency would streamline pharmaceutical administration, improve drug traceability, and reduce the circulation of fake medicines. The agency would also potentially lower drug costs through direct procurement from certified manufacturers. Ajanaku appealed to the House of Assembly to conclude the legislative process, as the PSN had made representations to relevant quarters but lacked the political power to compel the passage of the bill.
Ajanaku stated that the proposed agency would help reduce the circulation of fake drugs by ensuring that medicines were procured from certified and registered manufacturers. This would enable the tracing of the source of drugs, thereby improving drug safety. He also mentioned that WHO and UNICEF had indicated readiness to provide support, including vehicles, equipment, and contributions towards the cost of the agency's building, subject to the enactment of legislation backing the agency.
The PSN Chairman revealed that Oyo remained the only state in the South-West yet to implement the drug management agency arrangement. Relevant stakeholders, including patent and proprietary medicine vendors, had been engaged and were aware of the proposed legislation. Ajanaku described the relationship between the PSN and the state Ministry of Health as cordial, with the Commissioner for Health involved in discussions concerning the proposed agency.
Ajanaku attributed the delay in the bill's passage to the state House of Assembly, stating that they had done all they could to identify the problem. He emphasized that the problem was with the state House of Assembly, which needed to sign and transmit the bill to the governor for signature. The PSN had made representations to relevant quarters but lacked the political power to compel the passage of the bill.
The delay in the bill's passage is also affecting potential support from WHO and UNICEF. Ajanaku stated that these organizations had indicated readiness to provide vehicles and other equipment for the agency, including refrigerators and freezers, as well as contribute towards the cost of its building. However, they would not provide support unless there was a law backing the agency.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) is urging the Oyo State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Drug Management Bill. The bill's passage would enable the establishment of a Drug Management Agency, which would improve drug safety and reduce costs. The PSN is hopeful that the bill will be passed soon, allowing the agency to be established and start operations.
Key points
- * The Oyo State Drug Management Bill has stalled 19 months after its second reading in the state House of Assembly. * The delay is hindering potential support from WHO and UNICEF for the proposed agency. * The proposed agency aims to improve drug safety, reduce the circulation of fake medicines, and lower drug costs.
