23rd August, 2014
A pharmacist, Mr Gbenga Olubowale, on Saturday advised members of the public to observe the laid out safety measures to contain the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria.
Olubowale, the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, gave the advice in an interview with NAN in Lagos.
He spoke on the sidelines of the 2014 Pharmacy Week organised by the society with the theme: “Emerging Global Trends in Patients Care”.
Olubowale said that personal and public hygiene was important, stressing the need for regular hand washing and environmental sanitation.
“Whenever you feel ill, consult qualified medical personnel,” he said, advising Nigerians to be well informed about their health issues.
“Nigerians should adhere to safe medical and health practices. We should not engage in self-medication and purchase of drugs not prescribed by a doctor; we should ensure that pharmacies sell most drugs only on prescription.”
Olubowale said that pharmacists played major roles in the nation’s public healthcare. “The roles of the pharmacist have expanded beyond the traditional functions of dispensing and distributing medicines and health supplies.
“Today, the services are more patient-oriented, administrative, and include public health functions,” the pharmacist said.