The National President of National Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians of Nigeria, Mr. Yusuf Hojapa, has said the high incidence of substandard and adulterated drugs in the country was inimical to the health of Nigerians. He also said drug abuse was another health challenge that should be addressed.

He spoke to journalists in Ilorin on Monday during the registrations of qualified pharmaceutical technologists and pharmacy technicians in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He called on the government to further train pharmaceutical technologists and pharmacy technicians.

He said, “As more professionals are trained, they will continue to help in preventing the incidence of adulterated and sub-standard drugs.”

He noted that lack of manpower was one of the reasons for the menace, arguing that more qualified manpower will contribute to regulating, monitoring and enforcement.

He also appealed to the government to improve security and surveillance at the borders to prevent adulterated drugs from being smuggled into the country.