Buy needles, syringes from local manufacturers, FG orders hospitals

By Innocent Raphael

The Federal Government has issued a directive requiring all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to procure needles and syringes solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.

The directive, outlined in a circular signed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to curb the influx of foreign goods and support indigenous pharmaceutical industries, in a bid to bolster domestic production.

While highlighting the detrimental impact of importing largely substandard foreign products on local manufacturers, the minister noted that six out of nine local pharmaceutical companies producing needles and syringes eight years ago have since ceased operations.

According to Alausa, the President’s directive mandates NAFDAC to cease issuing licenses for the importation of foreign-manufactured needles and syringes and to de-list companies involved in such importation.

“Mr President has directed that this must stop. We all agreed to take the necessary steps to immediately remedy this sad situation.

“Pursuant to this, NAFDAC has been mandated to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes.

“It is also to de-list companies involved in the importation of these products going forward,” he stated.

Reacting to the development, stakeholders have stated that the move highlights the government’s commitment to revitalizing the local healthcare manufacturing sector and ensuring the availability of quality medical supplies nationwide.