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Niger’s Health Minister Inspects Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, Vows Crackdown on Counterfeit Drugs
Minister Hakimi’s Two-Day Tour of Key Medical Facilities
Niger’s Minister of Public Health and Hygiene, Colonel-Major Doctor Garba Hakimi, has conducted an intensive inspection of the country’s pharmaceutical supply infrastructure this week. The high-profile visits on August 12-13, 2025 targeted critical organizations responsible for ensuring Niger’s access to quality medicines.
The minister’s itinerary included:
- The Nigerien Agency for Pharmaceutical Sector Regulation (ANRSP)
- DA HAI CO pharmaceutical company
- UbiPharm medical supplier
- LABOREX laboratories
- The National Medicine Company of Niger (SONIMED)
- UNIPHARM distribution center
Strengthening Regulatory Oversight
At ANRSP – the nation’s pharmaceutical regulatory body – Minister Hakimi reviewed operations with agency leadership. “We’re exploring ways to increase staffing to improve working conditions,” Hakimi stated after acknowledging the team’s dedication despite limited resources.
The agency plays a pivotal role in:
- Coordinating pharmaceutical sector activities
- Ensuring medication safety and efficacy
- Monitoring compliance with health standards
Quality Control and Storage Conditions Under Scrutiny
During facility tours, the ministerial delegation examined:
- Warehouse storage protocols
- Product preservation methods
- Supply chain management systems
“I can assure Nigeriens we found committed professionals working diligently to maintain our pharmaceutical supply,” Hakimi reported. “Their efforts ensure continuous access to quality medicines and medical devices nationwide.”
Minister Issues Stern Warning Against Counterfeit Drugs
Hakimi delivered a forceful message to illegal drug distributors:
“Medicines aren’t ordinary products. You can’t sell them without proper controls. Those operating unauthorized pharmaceutical warehouses must comply immediately with regulations.”
The minister announced impending enforcement actions:
- Health authorities will inspect illegal operations
- Proper procedures must be followed for drug distribution
- Only ANRSP can authorize destruction of expired or counterfeit medicines
Developing Sustainable Drug Disposal Protocols
Hakimi emphasized the need for improved pharmaceutical waste management:
“We must establish proper procedures for destroying expired, counterfeit, or seized medications – following environmental standards through multisectoral collaboration.”
The initiative aims to:
- Create environmentally safe disposal methods
- Develop long-term solutions
- Involve multiple government sectors
Commitment to Pharmaceutical Security
This inspection tour underscores Niger’s commitment to:
- Ensuring medication quality nationwide
- Combating counterfeit drug trafficking
- Strengthening pharmaceutical regulation
As Niger works to improve its healthcare infrastructure, such ministerial oversight plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health and maintaining confidence in the nation’s medical supply chain.
Reported by Aïchatou H. Wakasso (ONEP)
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