Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has called for stronger collaboration between his administration and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to tackle the circulation of counterfeit medicines and improve healthcare delivery across the state.

Soludo made the appeal on Tuesday while declaring open the 99th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at the International Convention Centre in Awka.

The conference, tagged Ijele 2026, is being held from November 2 to November 7, with the theme, “One Health, One Pharmacy: Bridging Knowledge, Practice and Policy for National Impact.”

Addressing participants at the event, the governor described Anambra as Nigeria’s pharmaceutical headquarters and emphasised the important role pharmacists play in protecting public health and promoting a productive society.

He urged members of the professional body to work closely with his administration in strengthening pharmaceutical regulation and ensuring that medicines distributed across the state meet the required safety and quality standards.

Soludo also called for concerted efforts to identify and eliminate illegal medicine outlets operating under the guise of registered pharmacies.

He stressed that tackling counterfeit drugs required cooperation between government authorities, regulatory agencies and professionals within the pharmaceutical industry.

The governor further highlighted some of his administration’s healthcare interventions, including improvements to primary healthcare facilities and the provision of free antenatal services for pregnant women.

He disclosed that the state’s free antenatal programme had benefited more than 250,000 pregnant women, while over 900 free caesarean section procedures had also been supported.

Soludo also announced that work was ongoing on a dedicated pharmaceutical hub in Oba, alongside plans for a Coordinated Wholesale Centre expected to be completed early next year.

The conference has brought together pharmacists and other healthcare stakeholders to discuss developments in pharmaceutical practice, healthcare policy, research and medicine distribution.

Counterfeit medicines remain a significant public health concern in Nigeria because their consumption can expose patients to ineffective or potentially harmful treatments, delay proper diagnosis and contribute to preventable complications.

The governor’s appeal therefore places renewed attention on the importance of professional oversight, effective regulation and cooperation in ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and quality medicines.

Sources: PUNCH, Anambra State Government and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.