Adekola said: “As a very responsible organization we cannot be seen on one hand to approbating through building structures of the greatest possibilities by the three regulatory agencies and the other reprobating by worsening the fundamental decay of indiscriminate access to medicines which internet pharmacy will only facilitate as controls to monitor the tenets of internet pharmacy today.”

The pharmacist called for the empowerment of PCN, NAFDAC, and NDLEA by the government so that they can better perform their functions. He said: “For records, we insist that the PCN be empowered to have manning levels through inspectors who can monitor, control and enforce existing laws as it affects all Registered and unregistered drug premises or outlets in both the public and private sectors.

“NAFDAC in line with its safety margin be allowed unfettered access to regulate the quality of drugs in pharmaceutical premises while also ensuring sanctity in drug quality control and assurance at all designated port of entry- airports and seaports- in the best interest of consumers of medicines.

“NDLEA in line with its mandate continue to take responsibility for dangerous drugs and narcotics. Pharmacists, however, call for a directorate of consumer protection which shall be headed by a registered pharmacist is created in line with the undisputed status of pharmacists as experts in drug matters in our quest to tackle drug abuse and misuse.”

Source: Guardian