Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sade Oguntola
Published on 2024-03-07 13:37:42
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, has revealed that the hospital has initiated an investigative panel to look into the case of purchasing fake thyroid treatment from the hospital.
According to Professor Otegbayo, the panel is being led by Professor Fatai Fehintola, a clinical pharmacologist and the dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. The panel has commended the investigation into the case brought to light by a social media user @ThetundeT.
@ThetundeT posted on Twitter, expressing his frustration over discovering that the drugs purchased for his wife’s thyroid treatment were fake. He revealed that they had been treating the illness for over two years without any improvement, and shockingly, they were obtaining the medication from UCH Ibadan Pharmacy. This revelation painted a bleak picture for them as they felt there was no hope.
In response to @ThetundeT’s comment, the hospital stated that they had already reached out to him through social media to gather more information and connect with the patient who was receiving thyroid treatment.
Colonel Segun Ajanaku (retd), the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State, highlighted that the issue of fake pharmaceutical products is a global problem. He explained that even genuine pharmaceutical importers could unknowingly fall victim to distributing fake products, causing harm to unsuspecting consumers.
Ajanaku emphasized that drug traceability is crucial in preventing the circulation of counterfeit drugs. He also stressed the importance of patients reporting any negative effects or inefficacy of the medication they are prescribed, as it aids in the early detection of counterfeit drugs.
He urged patients to engage actively in their treatment by honestly communicating with their healthcare providers, instead of assuming the medication is ineffective and resorting to social media for validation.
Another medical expert reiterated the importance of patients consulting with their doctors before jumping to conclusions about the authenticity of their medication. They emphasized the need for a thorough analysis of the situation and advised against spreading misinformation on social media.
In conclusion, addressing the issue of fake and counterfeit drugs requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare providers, pharmaceutical suppliers, and patients. Effective communication, honesty, and transparency in reporting medication outcomes are essential in ensuring safe and reliable healthcare practices.
Overall, the incident of purchasing fake thyroid treatment from UCH Ibadan Pharmacy highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration in safeguarding the integrity of medication supply chains and the well-being of patients.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
