Despite the uproar over the abuse of Benylin cough syrup, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), may not be in a hurry to pronounce the cough syrup that contains codeine, a prescription drug.
This line of action, according to NAFDAC, is to save the greater number of the population from further hardship that will likely follow a regulation.
LEADERSHIP WEEKEND in an exclusive interview with the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relation, Alhaji Jimoh Abubakar, gathered that the agency has rather embraced massive public enlightenment campaign to stem the tide.
He explained that the action was hinged on safe guarding public health, rather than one that will limit access to quality and efficacious medicine.
“We have not taken a firm decision on the issue of making a cough syrup containing codeine a orescription drug. This is because we are mindful of not hurting the greater population. Whatever decision we take is the one that will improve and impact positively on public health,” he explained.
While expressing worry over the development, he stated that the agency is mindful of the effect its policy decision will have on the greater population of the nation at the expense of the minority that are abusing the cough syrup.
He admitted that although many youths have been abusing the syrup, they are in the minority.
“Yes, many people, particularly youths are engaged in this abuse, but they are in the minority. You cannot because of the misbehavior of the few take action that is detrimental to the larger Nigeria society; you have to see how to balance it. That is why we are emphasising on enlightenment campaign.” He explained.
Alhaji Jimoh also explained that the agency, in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), particularly the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group (PMG) would see how codeine in cough syrup can be reduced.
Jimoh, who is also disturbed about the trend however, insisted that massive public enlightenment, which has already started, is a more appealing option that will not disrupt the progress NAFDAC has achieved in its mandate.