Anambra Government Moves to Curb Fake Drugs, Relocates Onitsha Drug Market to Oba

 

 In a decisive move to combat the menace of fake and substandard drugs in Anambra State, the state government has finalized plans to relocate the Onitsha Bridge Head Drug Market to a new Central Wholesale Center (CWC) in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.

This initiative is part of Governor Charles Soludo’s broader healthcare reforms aimed at sanitizing the pharmaceutical industry and ensuring that only quality and approved drugs are sold in the state.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the new drug market site, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health, Chukwuka Agbodike, emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating the sale of counterfeit drugs.

“The primary purpose of this relocation is to put an end to the circulation of fake and substandard drugs, which has long plagued the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria. We want to ensure that only safe and approved medications are available to our people,” Agbodike stated.

He recalled that the government had recently shut down the Bridge Head Drug Market for a month due to unethical practices by traders. According to him, the new CWC in Oba will be fully equipped with regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). These agencies will oversee the operations of the center to prevent sharp practices and ensure compliance with pharmaceutical standards.

“We have put in place measures to make sure that every drug sold in this market is properly vetted. With the presence of NAFDAC and SON, we will eliminate the illegal production and distribution of counterfeit drugs,” he assured.

Nise Eye Center Achieves Major Milestone in Eye Surgeries

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has also recorded remarkable progress in the healthcare sector, particularly at the newly established Anambra Eye Center in Nise, Awka South Local Government Area. Since its inception a year ago, the medical facility has successfully performed over 300 eye surgeries, offering relief to many patients who would have otherwise sought expensive treatment abroad.

Agbodike noted that the cost of eye surgeries at the center is significantly lower than seeking treatment overseas.

“A typical surgery at the Nise Eye Center costs around N150,000, compared to the millions it takes to travel abroad for the same procedure. This has significantly reduced medical tourism, as people now have access to world-class eye care within the state,” he said.

He encouraged residents with eye problems to take advantage of the facility, which boasts cutting-edge technology and experienced medical professionals.

Okpoko General Hospital Upgraded with Modern Facilities

In addition to the achievements at the Nise Eye Center, the state government has also upgraded the Okpoko General Hospital to provide better healthcare services to residents.

According to Agbodike, the hospital is now equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and an uninterrupted power supply, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment at all times. He also disclosed that medical personnel are now permanently stationed at the hospital, improving healthcare delivery and emergency response.

“The Okpoko General Hospital is now one of the best-equipped public hospitals in the state. With modern medical equipment and uninterrupted electricity, residents can now access quality healthcare without traveling long distances,” he said.

Anambra’s Commitment to Quality Healthcare

The Soludo-led administration has prioritized healthcare reforms as a key component of its development agenda. The relocation of the Onitsha Drug Market, the success of the Nise Eye Center, and the transformation of Okpoko General Hospital are all part of the government’s broader vision to improve healthcare services and ensure that Anambra residents have access to safe and affordable medical care.

As the state continues to make strides in the health sector, stakeholders have commended the government’s efforts, calling for sustained investment and policy implementation to maintain these achievements.