By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
A candidate for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Association of Patent and Professional Medicine Dealers, (NAPPMED), in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) zone, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ikechukwu Anadimma has promised to bridge the gap between medicine dealers and government agencies if elected. He said his priority is to protect the business and improve regulation and training for members.
Speaking during an interview, the CEO of Dimma Healthcare Services, said NAPPMED operates across Nigeria with a zonal structure, including Abuja. He explained that his aim in seeking the position is to ensure dealers have better synergy with regulators and access to continuous education and development.
The aspirant however said if voted into power, he will not only involve God in his leadership, but also, build strong relationships with government. According to him, the lack of cooperation has led to lingering problems that affect the smooth running of the medicine business at the grassroots.
Reiterating the need to bring all parties together to foster understanding and cooperation, he said: “I want to bridge the gap and bring everybody together, so that we can have good synergy and help each other in the business of medicine,” he stated.
One of his key proposals is to engage the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, (PCN), to reduce the cost of licenses and shorten the time it takes to process them. He said he would also meet other relevant agencies to resolve outstanding issues between NAPPMED and regulators quickly.
Addressing members, he urged them to vote wisely in the upcoming election. He said competence, knowledge, and capacity should guide their choice of leaders rather than sentiments or personal ties.
The aspirant said he has earned the trust of members by consistently speaking up for them during meetings. He described himself as “the voice of the masses” who offers solutions without bias whenever conflicts arise.
He highlighted the role of patent and professional medicine dealers in bringing healthcare closer to Nigerians. He noted that medicine outlets in local communities provide urgent access to drugs like antimalarials, often before patients can reach hospitals.
The candidate recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo once acknowledged the contribution of the association, recalling how he was treated by one of its members in his youth. He said such recognition shows the value of the association to society.
To curb quackery, he proposed regular training, screening, and examinations to test members’ knowledge and encourage continuous learning.
