By: AUSTINE AGBO EMMANUEL, Kaduna
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN) Kaduna state branch has lamented the incessant harassment of members by personnels of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA)
This is as the group said that they are aware of the roles of the Agency to arrest and prosecute dealers of illicit drugs but not the height of disrespecting the rights of patients and hindering pharmacists from carrying out their statutory roles.
Addressing Journalists in a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the Chairman PSN Kaduna state branch, Pharm. Sunday Ali Okoh lamented the excesses of NDLEA and called on the presidency and the National Assembly to curtail the menace in Kaduna state.
Okoh added that the Agency had times without number unduly, illegally, and unprofessionally obstructed and hinder their roles, considered to be a life saving profession only to feather their nest.
He said, “We wish by this medium draw the attention of the state and federal government as well as relevant stakeholders and the general public to the incessant harassment of members of PSN in the hand of NDLEA Kaduna state Command for sometimes now and we say Enough is Enough.
“We say to NDLEA, respect the rights of patients and allow pharmacists to carryout their statutory roles. All over the planet earth, the rights to medications, (life) are fundamental.
‘It is worthy to note that pharmacists are licensed to import, export, mix, compound, prepare, dispense, counsel, sell, procure, and distribute drugs and poisons, PCN Established Act, 2022.
“Time without number, the NDLEA has unduly, illegally and unprofessionally obstructed and hindered these life saving roles only to feather their nest, exploit Nigerians, collect bribes and force their victims to give assent that bail is free after collecting millions of naira.
“Law enforcement agents have become a law breakers. Allow pharmacists to do their work. Arresting pharmacists and obstructing bail application with a cover up – investigation is ongoing, confiscating prescription drugs at pharmacies and placing a seal on the pharmacists can no longer go down the throat.
“Pharmacists are legal entities and many patients medications are stored in them. Sealing up pharmacies is as good as denying the citizens the right to life .
“We call on the presidency and the national assembly to curtail the excesses of NDLEA in Kaduna state.” He said.
