BY: EBEN ENASCO KINGSLEY

Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Edo State Chapter, a stakeholder in the health sector in Nigeria, has, re-emphasized on the need for collaboration between the body and the state government.

Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Edo State Chapter

This was the focal point at the familiarization visit on the Commissioner for Health, Edo State, by the newly elected Executive members of the PSN.

The Chairman, Pharmacists Christopher osasere Iyare delivering his speech on the occasion of the courtesy visit, thanked and re- affirmed that, they were in the commissioner’s office to familiarize with her and also to seek for the collaboration from the ministry to ensure they break even during their tenure.

His words: “The pharmaceutical society of Nigeria is here to seek collaboration and also to familiarize with the ministry of health. We are here to talk about areas were we need your support particularly on drugs delivery.

Pharmacist Iyare informed the Commissioner about the task force set up by the body to clamp down on quackery and rid the society of fake drugs with a view to making the patient who are the focal point, consume the correct drugs duly prescribed by a certified Doctor; adding that, all things been equal, the PSN week aimed at addressing issues and sensitizing the general public against the incessant use of drugs and other related issues in the society in particular Edo state is billed to commence in no distance time.

“We have put in place a task force team on fake and counterfeit drugs. Like I said before, the task force has been moribund for some time now and we need to revive it and that is why we are seeking the support of the government and the Commissioner for Health and again how we can move the healthcare forward in the state”, he remarked .

While soliciting for the support of the Ministry, Iyare said the body will also be visiting the governor of Edo State to also appeal for support.

Responding, the Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs.) Ibieyuwa Iregie, thanked the assemblage for the courtesy visit adding that, the Ministry is open to partnership and collaboration with serious minded group like the PSN while urging them to do the needful stressing that transparency is the hallmark of the ministry.

The occasion was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of health, Dr. Wilson Ugbodaga, Directors of the Ministry and other dignitaries cut across board.