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

Dr Hanmaikyur Tyopine

doi:10.15520/ijcrr.v10i05.703

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.

Highlights

Background to the Study: No company can be sustainable until or unless the supplier which comprises component providers, transport and logistics, raw material producers and other connected businesses do work on the credibility (Fung, 1999)
Conclusion: Despite the global nature of counterfeit product, distribution channel management has played a significant role in curtailing the proliferation of fake and counterfeit products in the market
In the light of the above analysis it is obvious that the role of Company Executives in Channel Management setting distribution objectives or goals, and other function aimed at motivating channel members to perform

Summary

Introduction

Background to the Study: No company can be sustainable until or unless the supplier which comprises component providers, transport and logistics, raw material producers and other connected businesses do work on the credibility (Fung, 1999). According to Adelusi (2000), the product distributions channel network in Nigeria is in a state of chaos because; it consists of open markets, patent medicine stores, community pharmacies, private and public hospitals, wholesalers/importers and pharmaceutical manufacturers It is a common scene in Nigeria to see petty traders who sell kola nuts, cigarettes, and oranges, among other items, in market kiosks, motor parks, and road sides hawking drugs that range from over the counter items to antibiotics (popularly called “capsules”). In cases where fake goods cause no physical harm, consumers are harmed financially when they are tricked into spending their hard-earned cash on poor functioning, low-quality products It is against this background that this study examined the problem of Distribution Channel Management and Control of Fake and Counterfeit Products in Nigeria". The result examined the relationship between Customer's Accessibility and Distribution Channel Management and the relationship between sources of fake product and Distribution Channel Management

Literature Review

Research Methodology

Results and Discussion

Conclusion and Recommendations

(2000). Research Methods for Business