NAFDAC Hail Tinubu’s Move To Reduce Healthcare Costs

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing an executive order aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Gatekeepers News reports that Director General (DG) of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on behalf of the agency, praised the President through a statement released on Saturday.

Mojisola noted that the Executive Order would lead to increased local production of healthcare products, reduce costs of healthcare equipment and consumables, and promote local investments.

The DG added that she is fulfilled because of the relevance to Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), as the Executive order is important for the success initiative because it addresses key issues.

She added that despite previous government efforts to revitalize the country’s pharmaceutical landscape, local drug and pharmaceutical consumables manufacturers remained hindered by the importation of various pharmaceutical products.

Mojisola lamented that the situation not only endangers the nation’s economy and undermines citizens’ health security but also prevents local manufacturers from being globally competitive.

She said, “However, the perennial and persistent costly challenge of importation of ALL materials needed for manufacturing (except water) by local manufacturers became an open sore.”

“As Director General, my professional heart ached for local manufacturers considering the import duties they have to pay for ALL materials, some packaging materials and equipment.”

“I have advocated for zero tariffs since my assumption of office with a limited moratorium to give local manufacturers industrial breathing space to do what they know how to do best – manufacturing quality medical products.”

The DG further expressed optimism that with the new Executive order, the nation’s medicine and pharmaceutical consumables manufacturing is poised for a new era, as several critical issues will be addressed.

She added that the Executive order will reposition manufacturing of drug and pharmaceutical consumables in the country “By lowering tariffs and providing special waivers, the EO aims to reduce the prohibitive costs of medicines and other pharmaceutical products, making healthcare more affordable for Nigerians.

The DG continued, “Encouraging local manufacturing will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce dependence on imports, ensuring a reliable supply of essential healthcare products.”

“Regulatory harmonization and market shaping will drive innovation and quality improvement in the local healthcare industry.”

“The Executive Order will also strengthen the nation’s health systems by addressing underinvestment and regulatory challenges by improving service delivery and health outcomes and enhancing resilience to future health crises.”

“The President’s EO underscores his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.”

“By addressing core challenges and providing a clear path for improvement, this EO sets the stage for a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for all Nigerians.”