Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has described as ‘alarming’ the increasing abuse of pharmaceutical opioids including Tramadol and codeine by the youths in the North-West region.
The governor made the assertion at a reception by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kaduna Branch, held in honour of the newly elected National President and Deputy President (North) of PSN, Pharmacist Ayuba Ibrahim and Pharmacist Aisha Isyaku, respectively.
He urged the association to find ways of addressing the issue of abuse of opioids by youths.
Represented by Joseph O. Ike, the Director General of the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse (KADBUSA), the governor urged the new leadership to strengthen and yield even greater results for the betterment of healthcare in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, “As you are aware in Nigeria one out of seven people use drugs according to the 2018 UNODC Survey. However here in Northwestern Nigeria we see an unacceptably high prevalence of abuse of pharmaceutical opioids like Tramadol and Codeine.
“This is especially worrying because we know that one out of five users of these types of drugs are addicted to them and this portends not just a public health but security and developmental challenge for the region.
“With the new leadership at the national level, and with Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ibrahim as President and Pharm. Aisha Tukur Isyaku as Deputy President North, we are confident that this partnership will be further strengthened and yield even greater results for the betterment of healthcare in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.”;;
The governor described pharmacists as an indispensable part of the healthcare ecosystem, adding, “Your expertise in dispensing medications, patient counseling, drug information, and increasingly, in public health initiatives, is vital to achieving our collective goal of providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to all citizens of Kaduna State.”;;
In his goodwill message, Chairman, PSC, Kaduna Branch, Pharm. Sunday Ali, expressed confidence that the new leadership would user in an era of progressive reforms, renewed advocacy and greater unity across the profession.
The Chairman, Organising Committee, Pharm. Jijiwa Fufore described the new President as a shinning example of dedication, professionalism, humility and service.
He assured of their continued support to advancing the profession, strengthening the PSN, promoting excellence and advising for a healthcare system where the role of pharmacists is fully recognized and respected.
In his response, the new PSN national president pledged to uplift the society and the profession to greater heights.
