The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that the medicine market at Bridgehead, Onitsha, resumed operations on March 7 after undergoing a comprehensive sanitization process.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the Southeast, made this known in an interview with correspondence on Monday.
The agency had earlier shut down the Ogbo Ogwu market and three adjoining markets from February 10 to March 7 to reform the medicine distribution system.
Iluyomade explained that specific administrative conditions were required from shop owners before their previously sealed stores could be reopened.
He noted that the measures were put in place to prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the market’s closure.
Highlighting the importance of regulation, he emphasized that pharmaceuticals are strictly monitored due to their impact on public health and national security. He added that under the NAFDAC Act, the agency has the mandate to regulate and control the sale and distribution of drugs.
Iluyomade also refuted reports claiming that the market had been closed again, clarifying that the ongoing process was focused on documenting and regularizing the shops. He assured that no shop would be reopened without completing the necessary clearance procedures.
To ensure a smooth transition, he revealed that NAFDAC had set up a special desk to facilitate the process efficiently.
He expressed appreciation to the market leadership and the Anambra State government for their cooperation and understanding.
Iluyomade further stated that the agency was not aware of any internal conflicts within the market.
(NAN)