Distribution Channel Management and the Control of Fake/Counterfeit Products in Selected Pharmaceuticals Companies in Benue State.

Abstract

This study evaluated distribution channel management and control of counterfeit products in Nigeria with specific reference to selected pharmaceutical industries in Benue State. The study used mainly primary data obtained by the use of a well-structured questionnaire. The study used multiple regression analysis to test the two hypotheses of the study. The result shows that a negative relationship exist between distribution management and its effect on consumer's accessibility and it is statistically significant (p<0.05) and in line with a priori expectation. Also, the study found that the source of fake and counterfeit product is positively related to distribution channel management but it is not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was concluded therefore that efficient distribution channel management could help to greatly reduce the proliferation of counterfeit products in the health sector. In view of this, it was recommended that laws guiding the regulation of imported and manufactured products should be strengthened to ensure effectiveness by regulatory authorities. Hence, the distribution channels management policies should be an approach to control counterfeit products by instituting on a clear post market surveillance system that will aid the fast identification of counterfeit and other substandard drugs while  consumer's access to counterfeit product should be restricted through an efficient distribution channel management.