By Doris Obinna
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has urged for immediate alignment of the pharmaceutical sector with government programs.
Speaking at the meeting with pharma and healthcare stakeholders organised by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Salako pledged the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to supporting the growth of the pharmaceutical sector by creating a more enabling environment for the industry.
The Minister, who disclosed this in Lagos at the weekend, said that it was important that the nation focus on addressing the challenges related to policies and interventions within the pharmaceuticals and related sectors.
He urged action to enhance collaboration and improve the effectiveness of health policies in the country.
Salako assured pharmaceutical manufacturers of the federal government’s recognition of their critical roles in touching the lives of millions through the medicines and therapies produced.
He also highlighted the government’s strategies to harness the emergent industrial base in driving economic growth, advancing research and development, and creating high-value jobs.
The Minister of State highlighted significant reforms in the pharma space initiated by the Tinubu administration, including the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the Executive Order pertaining to certain pharma sector inputs, as a means of revitalising Nigeria’s health sector.
He commended Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe and the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Research and Development Institute for the innovative adoption of an all-of-government approach to catalyse industry and all critical stakeholders in the expedited achievement of Nigeria’s medicine’s security.
Notably, the leadership of customs, finance, industry, and other critical government organs in attendance pledged alignment in fast-tracking policies to catalyze the emergence of a world-class pharma sector.
The conference themed, “Building a World-Class Pharma Sector: Activating Government Initiatives to Address Challenges, Catalyze Growth & Maximize IMPACT,” attracted close to 100 pharma and health sector senior stakeholders.
The stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies in harnessing the immense potential of the pharmaceutical industry in shaping the future of healthcare, in Nigeria, continentally and across the globe.
Representing the Comptroller General of Customs Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, CK Niagwan pledged the commitment of the Service to expediting emergent reforms for medicines security as well as economic growth and national wellbeing.
Other speakers at the conference include: Hon Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof Akin Abayomi, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), Mr. Oluwatosin Jolayemi and Chairman, West African Post-Graduate College of Pharmacy, Dr. Margaret Obono.
Others include, President of the Federation of Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (FENPIA), Dr. Okey Akpa and Executive Director Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr. Uzoma Ezeoke.
Salako pledged the government’s commitment to foster a more inclusive approach that brings all stakeholders to the table: government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry players, research institutions, healthcare providers, and the public.
He restated the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to supporting the growth of the pharmaceutical sector by creating a more enabling environment for the industry.
Furthermore, he assured pharmaceutical manufacturers and stakeholders of the government’s continued prioritisation in a bid to ensure improved local capacity in medicine production and drastically reduce the reliance on importation of pharmaceutical products.