Felix Jeremia, Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health Mr. Ayibatonye Owei, has said that state government would partner with the Federal Ministry of Health to checkmate circulation of fake and expired drug.

Owei who spoke during an inspection of some health facilities at Sagbama Local Government Area of the state described fake drugs as a threat to the development of the health system in the country.

He said, several policies have been made by the Federal Government to monitor the sale of fake drugs in the country further stated that fake drugs is one of the major setbacks  in the health systems, so, Bayelsa Government will key into the Federal Government policies on the war against fake drug.

Accordingly, he said, ‘we will set up a team that will be inspecting both private and public hospitals, pharmaceutical stores and drug hawkers in the state, noted that Bayelsa cannot be a dumping ground for adulterated drugs, a team will be going round the state, especially the rural communities to fast track this development.

On health facilities, Owei said Bayelsa state government has remained committed to the provision of quality healthcare for the people saying that the ongoing construction of eight referral Hospitals was a step in that direction.