The Federal government of Nigeria says it will give special preference to the local manufacturing of essential pharmaceutical products to ensure affordable and accessible health care facilities.
The Vice President, Professor Yomi Osinbajo, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the opening of the 89th Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) held in Minna, said they must resist counterfeit and sub-standard in the efforts to ensure patronage by Nigerians.
He stated that the government was not unaware of the challenges confronting the industry but assured that efforts are on to remove the barriers and ensure competition of the variety products.
Represented by the Minister of Health, Professor Issac Adewole, who emphasised the vital roles played by the Pharmacists in Nigeria, taking cognisance of our population while he applauded them of their selfless service to the people both in public and private sector.
He further said that the government was making efforts to ensure stable and sustainable economic development and reduce dependence on oil and shift attention to other sectors of the economy.
The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, in his speech called for greater priority to be given to quality, affordability, accessibility of healthcare in Nigeria and increase funding to ensure provision of health facilities and services.
The Governor was represented by the Niger State Speaker of the State Assembly, Honourable Ahmed Marafa. he says the state will partner with the PSN to ensure affordable healthcare facilities in the state.
He also urged them to intensify efforts in curbing sub-standard pharmaceutical drugs.
The National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr Ahmed Yakasai, in his speech stressed the need to be result oriented and update their professional experience and knowledge.
Mr Yakasai informed the gathering that a new approach of ‘Pharma Cyntricism’ had been embraced, considering the economic recession in Nigeria, expressing optimism that it would push social and economic development.
He disclosed that PSN had so far assisted the IDPs in Bornu State with free pharmaceutical drugs worth 50 million Naira. He said such assistance would be sustained.
Many Pharmacists and friends of PSN received awards from the association during the event and witnessed exhibition of various pharmaceutical drugs to mark the ceremony held in Minna, the capital of Niger State.
