The Association of People Living with Sickle Cell disorder, APLSCD, has recently consolidated her partnership with the Onitsha Patent Drug Dealers Association.
This was made known during a meeting between the executive bodies of both organizations at Onitsha Patent Drug Dealers Association, Headbridge Office, Onitsha.
In her address, Aisha Maureen Edward, the president and founder of APLSCD, introduced her association as one that is made up of sickle cell victims who happen to be one of the best customers of the patent drug dealers.
She also shared her dismay at how most of the drug dependent sickle cell patients are indiscriminately sold those drugs they are addicted to.
She however appreciated how the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and some of the members of the association have been heeding the call of the association especially with regards to the abuse of drugs amongst her members.
She then invited the patent drug dealers, as an association, to lend their support in the fight against the scourge of sickle cell disorder, informing that APLSCD, given their regular need for various drugs, are the best candidates for certifying various brands of drugs.
Aisha then revealed APLSCD’s plan to set up sickle cell specialist clinics in all the 21 local governments of the state and expects that with the consolidation of relationship between the two associations, her association can be getting drugs and other medicals directly from them, instead of through middle men.
In his response, the chairman of Onitsha Patent Drug Dealers Association, Mr Uche Eze, appreciated the visit by APLSCD EXCOs.
He expressed surprise at the revelation that there are drug addicts amongst sickle cell patients who patronize his members.
He therefore promised to look into the issue and help enlighten his people on the issue and ensure the practice of selling to such people ceases.
Mr Eze, further, congratulated APLSCD for what he described as “the awesome job” they are doing and pledged his association’s unalloyed support for them.
In his words, “I am glad that you people are now this organized and we promise to continue to be there for you people.
I am aware of the salient part your people play in our business and your recommendations and appeals shall be given good consideration.
Before now, I was not aware that some of these pain relieve drugs are sold to the addicts.”
He then promised to attend the forthcoming World Sickle Cell Day celebration, come June 18.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of several publications and handbills by APLSCD president to Mr Uche Eze[pictured].
Aisha Edward