Two men selling unevaluated Ebola Virus test kits and expired hand sanitizers in Lagos have been nabbed by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
The Director General of the agency, Dr Paul Orhii, disclosed this at a press briefing on the activities of NAFDAC, which took place at the agency’s Oshodi branch in Lagos.
He explained that some unscrupulous members of the public have decided to take advantage of the unfortunate Ebola incidence in the country by bringing in all sorts of products including expired hand sanitizers.
Hear him, “we wonder how some people can be so callous to make money out of the situation despite this deadly disease called ebola”
”The most troubling is the case of Mr James Nnaji of 116, Oguta road, Onitsha, who imported expired brands of hand sanitizers through NAHCO Lagos,” Orhii said.
The NAFDAC boss gave the names of the products as: Soft care natural, Soft care lemon, Soft care lavender, Soft care apple all of which, he noted had expired in December 29, 2012, two years ago, “but yet found their way into the country.”
Orhii further informed that the agency recently detected the sale of unevaluated and untested ‘Rapid response Ebola virus test kits’ which were being aggressively marketed by one Mr John Ojewale of Multi Products Medical Supply Company Limited.
He revealed that the suspect was trailed and apprehended by the agency who upon interrogation claimed that one Mr Lateef Bamisedun, supplied him the kits, which were allegedly imported from Canada.
According to Orhii, “Lateef Bamisedun was arrested and he confessed to have imported the kits from Canada, “The danger associated with the use of substandard hand sanitizers and untested Ebola Test kits is indeed grave and could derail all efforts put in place to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country,” he added.
The DG went on to observe that the 106 brands illegally imported into the country were without NAFDAC certification and the clearance of officers of the agency at all entry points, the seaports, airports and land borders.
He then urged members of the public to report any suspected cases of fake and unregistered products, warning them against patronizing such unregistered and fake test kits and to report any suspected cases of fake and unregistered regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
He expressed confidence that the deadly Ebola virus has been successfully managed and contained in the country through the efforts of the Health Minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu and stressed on the need to follow the necessary guidelines in order to stop the further outbreak of the deadly disease.
Orhii listed the guidelines to include: regular washing of hands with soap, the use of hand sanitizer in addition to personal hygiene, good environmental health practices and ensuring that the alcohol content of a hand sanitizer is 60 per cent and above with adequate expiration date on the point of purchase.
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