The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has launched the Narcotic Drugs Serialisation Pilot Project, in a bid to strengthen the quality and security of medical products in the country’s drug distribution network.
In a statement on Thursday, NAFDAC said the initiative aimed to combat the proliferation of substandard and falsified medicines by implementing a traceability system, addressing challenges posed by unscrupulous elements in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
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It explained that the traceability project was a game-changing technology that enabled the tracking and tracing of medicines from production to end-users, enhancing transparency and authenticity.
NAFDAC revealed that 15 percent of drugs in the country were faked.
“Through Android phone scanning devices, consumers can now verify the quality and authenticity of drug products, fostering confidence in the medicines they consume,” the statement said.
It further explained that the unveiling of the initiative was part of a broader effort initiated in May 2018, leading to the development of a traceability strategy document launched in October 2020.
“The focus on narcotic medicines in this pilot project strategically addresses the high potential for abuse and diversion, setting the stage for the full-scale implementation of traceability projects for other drug classes in the coming phases.
“NAFDAC extends appreciation to technical partner @GS1Nigeria and solutions provider Newsoft Nigeria Plc for their significant contributions to this transformative initiative,” it noted.