THE CHALLENGES OF DRUG DISTRIBUTION AND REGULATION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY HEALTH FACILITIES: A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Drug regulation and distribution are essential components of a functional health system to ensure that safe and effective medicines are made available to patients when needed. This study examined the challenges of drug distribution and regulation in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 140 questionnaire was administered to the selected staff members of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) in Lagos State, out of which 122 copies representing 87.1% was completely filled and returned. Descriptive statistical method was employed for data analysis using statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 2.0. Spearman rank was also used to test the hypothesis of the study while frequency counts, percentages were used for the study's result analysis and discussion. The findings showed that PCN and NAFDAC have implemented a wide range of measures like inspection, public awareness campaign and imposition of penalty like fine, seizure etc.to ensure compliance with National drug distribution standards and combat circulation of substandard and falsified medicines. The study also revealed that the level of inter-agency collaboration between PCN and NAFDAC is not strong. The result from the spearman rho showed that the relationship between challenges of drug distribution is significant at 0.05 and 0.01 level. The study recommended strict enforcement of National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) of 2012 by the regulators in order to control the influx of non-professional and quacks in the drug distribution chain. The study also recommended improved collaboration between PCN and NAFDAC.  This is crucial for effective drug distribution and regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.