The Federal Government has reiterated its support to set aside special forex allocation for local manufacturing of essential pharmaceutical products in the country.
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who gave this assurance during the opening ceremony of the 89th Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) held in Minna, Niger State.
He said that government was thinking of resisting counterfeit and sub-standard products in the sector, in its efforts to ensure patronage by Nigerians of locally manufactured products.
He stated that government was aware of the challenges confronting the industry, especially forex but gave assurance that efforts were on to remove the barriers and ensure competition of the various products.
Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Health, Professor Issac Adewole, emphasised the vital roles played by pharmacists in Nigeria, taking cognisance of the country’s population.
He further said that 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 and accessibility of healthcare in Nigeria.
The National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ahmed Yakasai, stressed the need to be result oriented and update their professional experience and knowledge.
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.
Taiwo Hassan
New Telegraph News
