The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has issued a warning about the potential scarcity of essential medications across the country, citing the current economic downturn as a significant concern. NAIP’s National Chairman, Kenneth Onuegbu, expressed concerns that pharmaceutical companies may struggle to provide crucial medications unless the government addresses the high cost of diesel and forex scarcity.
Essential medications, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are vital for meeting a population’s priority healthcare needs. These medicines can save lives, improve health, and are selected based on factors such as disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness.
Speaking at the 5th Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists in Lagos State, Onuegbu highlighted the challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector, including poor infrastructure, forex scarcity, and regulatory issues. He emphasized the need for government intervention to create an enabling environment for pharmaceutical producers.
Onuegbu explained, “If we don’t do something about it, there is going to be a scarcity of essential medicines. We must call for the domestication of medications to reduce the production cost. It is also important to note that our environment is over-regulated.”
He also stressed the importance of addressing issues like insecurity, power supply, and forex scarcity to ensure the survival of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.
Dr. John Ejezie, the President of the Nigerian Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists (NAFTraph), attributed the high cost of medicines to supply chain challenges and high inflation rates. He noted that the depreciation of the Naira had reduced the purchasing power of the population and impacted drug production.
Despite the challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector, Ejezie affirmed the association’s commitment to improving health indicators through community-based wellness efforts. He acknowledged that while these challenges are not unique to Nigeria, developing economies are particularly vulnerable due to less robust socio-economic structures. Ejezie emphasized the importance of persevering in the face of adversity and continuing to work toward positive healthcare outcomes.