National Policy for Controlled Medicine and Its Implementation Strategy
Strategy · Health
A Strategy governs the availability, prescription, and monitoring of controlled medicines in Nigeria. It targets healthcare professionals, pharmacies, regulatory agencies, and patients. This ensures access for legitimate needs while preventing abuse.
National Policy for Controlled Medicine and Its Implementation Strategy
What Is This Policy?
A policy framework governing the availability, prescription, dispensing, and monitoring of controlled medicines in Nigeria, balancing the need for access to essential medications like opioids for pain management with the prevention of abuse and diversion.
Who Does It Target?
Healthcare professionals prescribing and dispensing controlled substances Hospitals, pharmacies, and health facilities Regulatory agencies overseeing drug control Patients requiring controlled medicines for legitimate medical needs
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure adequate access to controlled medicines for legitimate medical use, particularly for pain management and palliative care, while preventing misuse, diversion, and trafficking.
Key Features
Access Framework: Streamlined processes for importing, distributing, and prescribing controlled substances Prescription Guidelines: Clear rules on who can prescribe controlled medicines and under what conditions Monitoring and Reporting: Systems for tracking controlled medicine distribution and identifying potential abuse Training: Education for healthcare workers on safe prescribing and pain management Regulatory Coordination: Alignment between NAFDAC, NDLEA, and the Federal Ministry of Health
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active with ongoing capacity building Coverage: All health facilities handling controlled substances Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with NAFDAC and NDLEA Funding: Federal Government and international development partners
How to Access
Healthcare facilities access controlled medicines through licensed pharmaceutical supply chains. Health facilities must register with NAFDAC for controlled substance handling Prescribers follow guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health Pharmacies maintain records per regulatory requirements
Official Resources
Website: health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Services Division, Abuja
Legal Framework
Operates under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 1993, the Dangerous Drugs Act Cap D1 LFN 2004, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) guidelines. Draws on the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 and the WHO guidelines on access to controlled medicines for pain relief.