Drug Misuse Threatens Public Health, Patient Safety – NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning against the misuse of drugs, saying irresponsible consumption poses a severe threat to patient safety and public health.

She said irrational use of medicines, including self-medication, antibiotic abuse, incorrect dosing, and the use of counterfeit drugs, remains a major public health challenge.

According to her, such practices contribute to treatment failure, adverse drug reactions, prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, disability, and preventable deaths.

Elemuwa also expressed concern over the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, describing it as one of the most serious consequences of the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

She noted that infections that were once easily treatable are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to manage due to the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms.

The NAFDAC official emphasised the importance of pharmacovigilance, describing it as the process of detecting, assessing, understanding, and preventing adverse effects associated with medicines.

“No medicine is completely free from side effects. However, through effective pharmacovigilance systems, harmful reactions can be identified early and necessary actions taken to protect the public,” she said.

Elemuwa urged healthcare professionals and members of the public to report adverse drug reactions, noting that a single report could help save lives.

She called on doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and patients to work together to promote the safe use of medicines.

“Patient safety begins with the rational use of medicines. Medicines are meant to heal, not harm.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Mr Tunbosun Aruwe, said the programme was designed to promote medication safety and improve public awareness on the proper use of medicines.

He said while medicines provide significant health benefits, they can also cause harm if not properly used or monitored, making pharmacovigilance essential.

Aruwe commended NAFDAC for its efforts in protecting public health and pledged continued support for healthcare programmes in the local government area.

He also urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the programme with others in their communities to promote safer medicine practices.