Speaking on behalf of Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharm. Louis Madubuatta, Deputy Director and Anambra State Coordinator of NAFDAC, delivered an insightful presentation on drug storage and compliance where he highlighted critical concerns surrounding the management of postpartum hemorrhage and the implications for pharmacist practices.
Madubuatta shared this on July 24, 2025 at the 44th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), held at the International Conference Centre in Awka. The conference focused on the theme "Technology Integration and Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice."
He noted a troubling trend within healthcare facilities regarding the use of medications, specifically mentioning that "due to the challenges healthcare providers have encountered with Oxytocin, many are now turning to Misoprostol as a first-line treatment option."
He further assured attendees that while Oxytocin remains a critical drug for this purpose, it is imperative for pharmacists to uphold the highest standards of responsibility when handling medications. "As a pharmacist, when you receive a drug into your pharmacy, you are responsible for that medication," he asserted. "When we conduct inspections, we will inquire about the sourcing of your products. It is your duty to ensure that the medications meet safety and quality standards."
A significant portion of Madubuatta's presentation focused on the proper storage conditions for medicines, an essential aspect of pharmacy practice that can directly affect patient safety. He warned attendees about the dangers of non-compliance with storage regulations.
"If a drug is labeled to be stored at 25 degrees Celsius, that indication is critical. As professionals, we must recognize that if this condition cannot be met, there is likely something wrong with the product itself—potentially indicating that it is counterfeit," he explained.
This emphasis on compliance is particularly timely, given the rising concerns over the integrity of pharmaceuticals circulating in the Nigerian market. Madubuatta encouraged community pharmacists to be vigilant about both the storage conditions and the sourcing of their products, reinforcing the importance of due diligence in ensuring the efficacy and safety of medications sold to patients.
The session concluded with a robust dialogue as conference attendees posed questions and engaged in discussions about best practices for drug management and compliance with NAFDAC regulations. Madubuatta’s presentation not only reinforced the critical role of pharmacists in maintaining drug safety but also highlighted the ongoing efforts of NAFDAC to support the healthcare community in Nigeria.
The insights shared by Madubuatta served as a reminder of the significant responsibility pharmacists bear, underscoring their essential role in safeguarding public health through compliance and vigilance in pharmaceutical practice.
