The federal government has disclosed that it will be partnering with the private sector to boost local production of drugs to 60 per cent.
Special adviser to the president on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, who disclosed this at 2023 Medic West Africa Conference, in Lagos, averred that the Tinubu-led administration is focusing on medical industrialization.
“This cannot happen by the government alone, without the involvement of the private sector. We need to start producing what we need in Nigeria, at least let us take it up to 60 per cent, including the active pharmaceutical industries, the raw materials that we need, and assembling,” she explained.
She congratulated the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and Medic West Africa for putting together the conference at this time, adding that, “We look forward to the outcome of the conference detailing the role of the private sector and discussing how we can work together with the government to optimize the performance of our health system. I can guarantee you that we have shifted the needle. We are more committed and we are more eager to see that we change the health outcomes in Nigeria for sustainable development.”
Medic West Africa 2023, featured over 3,600 attendees and 161 exhibitors from 32 countries, and drew together regional healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service providers who are committed to knowledge-sharing, networking, and business partnerships to improve West African healthcare infrastructure.
Exhibition director, Tom Coleman, said, “We are very pleased with the success of Medic West Africa 2023. Medic West Africa envisages a future in which healthcare in West Africa is more than a pipe dream; a reality in which excellence is the norm and every person is respected and cared for.
‘’As the successful decennium comes to an end, we are committed to the mission and ready to write the next chapter of an extraordinary narrative – a story of excellence, impact, and hope for a healthier and better future for West Africa. We are grateful to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for making Medic West Africa 2023 such a success and look forward to welcoming everyone back in April 2024 for an even bigger and better event.”
SOURCE: Leadership
