Angela Onwuzoo
Female pharmacists in the country under the aegis of the Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria have said local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients will reduce current hikes in drug prices by boosting production.
The lady pharmacists said developing the nation’s manufacturing capabilities for active pharmaceutical ingredients is crucial to the transformation of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
According to them, the country cannot achieve self-sufficiency in drug supply without a robust local production of APIs.
The pharmacists disclosed this during a press conference on Monday in Lagos ahead of their forthcoming 16th Biennial National Conference in Benin, Edo State slated from 14th to 18th May 2024.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient is the term used to refer to the biologically active component of a drug product be it a tablet or capsule.
According to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Nigeria currently imports all its APIs with the bulk of the imported ingredients coming from China and India.
The National Chairman of the association, Scholastica Lan, said the government needs to come in and create an enabling environment for the pharmaceutical sector to provide the services that the citizens need.
Lan, a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria said efforts are ongoing by governments and other stakeholders to begin the production of APIs in Nigeria.
She maintained that the supportive system that the pharmaceutical sector needs should be provided so that “we don’t burden our citizens with high bills.”
Lan said the conference with the theme, “ Making healthcare impacts in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030”, will look at the role of lady pharmacists in achieving the SDGs.
“The adoption of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development opened new opportunities to work towards healthy outcomes for all through government and society/community approaches.
“We are plagued with a high burden of healthcare needs on this side of the continent and much of healthcare delivery is dependent on the quality of pharmaceutical products and commodities.
“Discussions at the conference will critically expose how the Pharmacy Profession/ Lady Pharmacists have roles in creating impact for the actualization of the SDGs”, she said.
The pharmacist said Nigeria with its huge population cannot afford to continue depending on other nations for its drug needs.
The Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Rametu Momodu, said the 16th Biennial Conference Heartbeat 2024 will have over 600 participants in attendance.
Momodu, a fellow of PSN said the conference will serve as a dynamic platform meticulously designed to foster an environment where socialisation flourishes organically.
She pointed out that the conference theme emphasises the essence of embracing change and innovation and recognizing challenges as opportunities for growth.
“By promoting innovation, we create a fertile ground for creativity to thrive, where fresh ideas can take root and blossom into transformative initiatives that propel our profession forward into a brighter, more promising future.
“Mentorship is highlighted as pivotal in guiding the next generation towards excellence and ethical practice. The spotlight on expertise in herbal medicine underscores the importance of the rich biodiversity in plants, ensuring holistic care for our patients.
“ We’ve gathered to learn, unlearn, and relearn to unlock the potentials and opportunities not only as the female gender but as professionals.”
Momodu said the association serves as a platform for empowerment and guidance, fostering unity and inspiration among lady pharmacists.
“ It’s more than just a gathering; it’s a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and perspectives, where professionals come together to engage in meaningful conversations and forge lasting connections that transcend geographical boundaries”, she said.
She disclosed that the keynote address will be delivered by the Vice-chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami.
Salami, a Professor of Home Economics and Nutritional Education is the chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities.
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