A Partnership Model for the Control of Unethical Marketing of Medical Drugs in Nigeria.

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of enforcement of anti-counterfeit drug laws (penalties) on the unethical marketing of medical drugs in Nigeria, particularly the South Eastern States. The study was a survey design. Stratified, simple random, convenience and judgmental sampling procedures were adopted. A research question and one null hypothesis guided the study. The population consisted of 5621 respondents, comprising 3444 healthcare professionals, (doctors, pharmacists, nurses), 1641 drug consumers, 390 licensed drug firms and 146 senior staff of the Regulatory Agencies in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. Five University Teaching Hospitals were used for the study. A sample of 985 respondents was used. Primary and Secondary sources of data were accessed. The questionnaire was validated using the opinions of experts. Pilot study was conducted and the scores subjected to Cronbach’s Alpha technique. The reliability coefficient was 0.947, indicating high degree of internal consistency of the research instrument .The mean (x) and criterion mean scores were used to answer the research question. Z-test statistical technique was applied in testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance and 4 degrees of freedom. The findings of the study revealed that enforcement of existing penalties had non-significant positive reduction in unethical marketing of medical drugs. The partnership model (Regulatory Excellence Model) was designed to enhance the control of unethical marketing of medical drugs in Nigeria and further recommendations were made. 

Keywords: Medical Drugs, Unethical Marketing, Model, Enforcement, Penalties, SDSI, NAFDAC.