By Obinna Don Norman
Following the motion by Senator Theodore Orji on sale and consumption in Nigeria Anti-Malaria drugs banned by European Union, the Senate has directed its committee on Health to investigate and report back for urgent action.
In his presentation at the floor of the Senate, Sen. Orji representing Abia Central noted that recently the European Union banned the sale and consumption of 42 Anti-Malaria drugs in all countries within the European Union.
Sen. Orji who listed the names of the drugs however noted that regrettably these banned drugs are still sold in Nigeria to unsuspecting members of the public thereby endangering their lives.
This motion therefore led to the resolution of the Senate to mandate its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) led by Sen. Olarewaju, APC, Ogun Central to urgently carry out a holistic investigation into the matter and report back to the Senate for further action to save the lives of Nigerians.
The names of the 42 banned Anti-Malaria drugs as listed by Sen. Orji are: Alaxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine)B/8;
Alaxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Arinate 100mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arinate 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arsumax 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12; Artemax 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Artémédine 40mg capsule (artemether) B/12; Artémédine 50mg tablet (artemether) B/12; and Artenam 50mg tablet (artemether) B/14.
“Also on the list are Artenam 60mg tablet (artemether) B/8; Artésiane 300mg child powder oral suspension (artemether) FL/38g; Artésunate 100mg compressed B/120; Artésunate 50mg tablet B/120; Artexin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/9; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/25 blisters; and others. Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/55 blisters; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiquine) B/24; Camoquin 600 mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/3; Camoquin oral suspension 50mg/ 5ml (amodiaquine) FL/60ml; Cotecxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Cotecxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Daraprim tablet (pyriméthamine) B/30; and Falcinil 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12.
