ABSTRACT

Over the years, the Nigerian drug consumers have been exposed to lowquality, adulterated or fake drugs which they innocently consumed as genuine drugs. Iliis situation has led to physical and or mental harm to the unfortunate consumers. lherclorc the main objective of this study is to investigate the role of pharmaceutical firms in Umuàhia, Abia State in ConSunlet protection arid drug niarketing in Nigeria. Primary data were collected from the responses to the queSti( mna ires administered to 37 pliariiiacists, 45 patent medicine (lealers and 7.3drug consumers respectively together with information gathered lioni the interview held with the pharmacists working under the Miiìist ry of 1-lealth, Abia State and the pharmacist in charge of 131essed Pharmaceutical Company, Jnitiahia Secondary data were collected 11om the relevant I iterat tire. Using tables and simple percentages, the data collected were analyzed while chi-square x2 J statistical tool was used to test the two hypotheses formulated for the study. The findings revealed anioiig others that the pharmacists are doing worthwhile job to maintain, and ensure consumers' sakty but cannot do much without the help of Government. Moreover, the majority of' drug consumers are iiot aware of the existing laws oii dnigs administration that protect them. It was also found out that the drug market is infested with unscrupulous drug dealers who did not register their business names and that the main source of fake is from patent medicine dealers and not from pharmaceutical companies. The fol lowing recommendation were thciefore made-Governmcnt should step up ac:tion towards enforcing decree 2 I of' 1988 as well as prohibiting the sale of' drugs and poison in buses, motOr park and in other unauthorized places. All registered patent medicine dealers must operate under the close supervision of qualified registered pharmacists and the task force on fake and adulterated drugs should be carrying out routine inspection in all the drug market/stores. Government should organize a public enlightenment campaign to educate the consumers on the various laws on drugs that protect them and others.