The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to establish a presidential committee to drive reforms in the pharmaceutical sector.
The association made the call while commending the FG on the ban on the importation of drugs that can be locally manufactured sufficiently.
In a statement signed by the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the pharmacists said the proposed committee would play a critical role in strengthening drug production, regulation, and distribution across the country.
They noted that such an initiative is necessary to address the longstanding challenges that affect access to safe and affordable medicines.
“We call on the Federal Government to set up a Presidential Committee on the Pharma Sector, which will push through laws that compel a boost in local manufacture of drugs, and fully implement the Federal Government-approved National Drug Distribution Guidelines,” the statement read in part.
The association added that the committee would also focus on strengthening legal frameworks to combat counterfeit medicines.
“It will also champion an amendment of the Fake Drug Act to make penalties stiffer and develop a reform agenda for the National Post-graduate College of Pharmacists that produces a pool of pharma experts in industry, clinical, hospital, and Community Pharmacy practice in Nigeria,” ACPN said.
The pharmacists emphasised that the proposed reforms are crucial to safeguarding public health and enhancing the pharmaceutical value chain.
“This is a task that must be done in the national interest as it saves consumers’ health physically and economically.”
PUNCH Healthwise had earlier reported that pharmaceutical products were included in the revised list of prohibited imports by the Federal Government.
The banned pharmaceutical products include commonly used medicines such as paracetamol, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, and chloroquine. Also affected are multivitamins, aspirin, folic acid, and ointments such as penicillin and gentamicin.
The importation of the drugs was banned under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 to 3004.90.90.00.
In the report, pharmacists expressed divergent views over the import ban on paracetamol and other commonly used medicines, raising concerns about its potential impact on drug availability, affordability, and local manufacturing capacity.
While some stakeholders argue that restricting imports could boost domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies, others warn that the policy may trigger shortages and drive up prices if local capacity is not sufficiently strengthened.
But reacting to the ban, the ACPN said the move was geared towards protecting the local manufacturing industry and managing scarce forex.
“Critically, this development puts the mandate for the nation’s Primary Healthcare drug needs on the local pharmaceutical industry, which is in the national interest.
“The updated prohibition list, when juxtaposed with a drop in duties on drugs, portends a good omen if well executed, as it promotes affordability and accessibility to drugs if well enforced,” the pharmacists said.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
