By Mattex Omonext, Delta
The Delta State Chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR on Monday sought collaboration with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria,PCN in other to curb counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods in Delta State.
This wasbcontained in a statement signed by CDHR State Secretary, Comrade Jonathan Giama.
The CDHR affirmed its readiness to encouraged the PCN in its activities in the State.
It said,”So many citizens rights to life have been denied as a result of the menace caused by Counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods vendors.”
The CDHR enjoined members of the public to be conscious of the existence of the State Task Force created by the Counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods(Miscellaneous Provisions) Decree 1989 as amended.
The CDHR noted that the activities of the PCN includes,”Seizing any drug or poison which is displayed for the purpose of sale in any premises not duly licensed or registered for that purpose;
“Has powers to enter at any reasonable time,(If need be by force) any premises in which there is reason to believe that the provisions of this Decree are being contravened and examining any article found therein;
” Taking sample or specimen of any article and opening and examining, while on the prenises, any container or package;
“Examining any books, documents or records found on the prenises, which are reasonably believed to contain any informed on relevant to the enforcement of the Decree are being contravened and examining any article found therein amongst others
” The Tribunal established under the Special Tribunal (Miscellaneous offences) Decree 1984,as amended shall have jurisdiction to try offenders.”
Earlier, the CDHR commended the Registrar of the PCN, Pharm. N.A. E. Mohammed , saying it shall continue to encourage the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN as an agency the government saddled with the responsibilities of regulating counterfeits and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods in Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The CDHR pointed out,”That Section 2 of the Counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods(Miscellaneous Provisions) Decree 1989 defined the appropriate authority accordingly as follows”.
According to the CDHR,”In this Section, reference to the appropriate authority ” means reference to any person or body authorized to grant license or register premises for sale and distribution of drugs or poisons.
“That by Decree 91 of 1992, officials of the PCN including the office of the State Director of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Delta State are mandated to register persons who are qualified to dispense drugs in Delta State.
