Drug dealers in the country have again dragged the Federal Government, FG to court to challenge the issuance of another guideline alleged to be inhibiting their business operation.
The dealers under the aegis of Nigeria Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, NAPPMED, are asking a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to nullify the 2003 guidelines for issuing patent medicine vendors’ license.
Joined in the legal action are the Health Minister, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice as first, second and third defendants, respectively.
NAPPMED, in an originating summons filed by its counsel, Mr Val Igboanusi, accompanied by an affidavit by its national chairman, Mr Vincent Mamah, are praying the court to nullify and set aside the said guidelines for being unlawful, illegal and of no effect.
They are also asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Minister of Health and Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and all their agents from issuing patent and proprietary medicine vendors’ license under the 2003 guidelines.
The plaintiffs also prayed the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the second defendant and its state branches from intimidating, harassing, arresting and/or closing its members’ shops or stores across the country.
The association claimed that the issuance of guidelines on patent and proprietary medicines license in Nigeria was already enshrined under section 51 (2) of the Pharmacy Act, and covered by a judgment.
“The Medicine Dealers are claiming that Pharmacists Council of Nigeria cannot prescribe any condition for the grant of any license, just by making some guidelines and cannot repeal or amend the provisions of Sections 51(2) of the Pharmacy Act”.
The case has been adjourned to April 15 for mention.
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Again, drug dealers drag FG to court
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