The Edo State chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has requested the Federal Government to prohibit the open sale of pharmaceuticals in marketplaces in the interest of public health.
Mr Chris Oisakede, the society’s chairman, made the call in Benin on Wednesday.
He emphasized that the availability of narcotics on the open market contributed to the growth in drug usage among young people.
“I am concerned at the devastating effects of drug abuse on youths, but the ease with which drugs are available in the open market is worrisome,” he told reporters.
He encouraged the federal government to develop an organized redistribution system that encourages prescription-only sales in order to reduce drug addiction and trafficking.
“Nigeria is one of the few countries in Africa where narcotics and other items are sold openly.
“This is a departure from the norm. Drugs are not sold in open markets like other items, and this approach encourages abuse, addiction, and trafficking.
“We cannot be campaigning against drug abuse when drugs are readily available for purchase in the open markets, it doesn’t work that way,” according to him.
Oisakede also advocated for the inclusion of harmful drug effects in the country’s basic and secondary school curricula.
“We must educate our youngsters about the dangers of drug misuse so that they can make sound judgments.
“We need to teach them that drug abuse can lead to addiction, health problems, and even death,” he told me.
 has requested the Federal Government to prohibit the open sale of pharmaceuticals in marketplaces in the interest of public health.){kind=link}