Government at all level have been urge to engage in active partnership with local pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria so as to reduce the over dependent of foreign drugs and develop economy
Oyo state Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade gave this advise while briefing journalist on activities lined up to mark 2017 pharmaceutical week in Ibadan
Ajibade noted that over 80 percent of drugs in Market are imported with very low capacity utilization of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry , adding that “The ugly experience is a major task that must be reversed if Nigeria must take responsibility for its economic growth and recovery”
“ We cannot continue to export our funds all in the name of procuring medicines from abroad and expect the same money to money to cause local revolution.’
“ The various tiers of government spend heavily on drugs provision and out of pocket spending on drugs by average Nigerians is not a small amount, if our drugs are locally source, we can imagine great fortune awaiting us”
While suggesting the way out, Ajibade said “ with a structured partnership with the government for a pharmaceutical industrial farms where provision of electricity low tax regim, support for equipment procurement and leasing incentives for locally made pharmaceuticals, the much awaited paradigm shift is possible ”
He said further that foreign donors should be encourage to purchase drugs locally instead of bringing their drugs from other country
“ Taking steps to encourage local production of our drugs will not only reduces the heavily dependence on forex but also increase employment generations ; open up the verse need areas which other sectors could take advantage of.”
While speaking on the program outline for pharmaceutical week 2017 in Oyo state, Ajibade said the week have been planned to offer a workable approach to enhance our National Economic recovery through pharmaceutical industry.
