By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

The Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the last general elections and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi,  has decried the plight of local pharmaceutical manufacturing industries in Nigeria, urging government to partner with them to produce quality drugs instead of issuing licences for importation of drugs and collecting revenues from  importers.

Delivering a keynote address

 on the theme: “Access to Quality Medicines in An Unstable Environment’’ during the 6th Public Lecture of the Board Of Fellows of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Wednesday, Obi lamented  that many pharmaceutical companies have left the country, thus making drugs very expensive for the poor, which is why most families have resorted to prayers, as the only good medicine they know.

 “In Nigeria, if you want to register a product, you have to beg NAFDAC which ordinarily should be begging you to render this service to you. Here, it takes up to three years to register a product, while it takes between two and six months to do so in other countries.

“Those involved in importation even face harder times as they contend with obstacles in procurement, foreign exchange and uncontrolled inflation, which is the reason the cost of the imported products keeps rising.These are some of the things crippling the system and the major problem is that the leaders do not understand what they are supposed to do.That is why I say that unless we dismantle the criminal system, currently operating in our public sector, nothing will move forward. We need to focus on production.The problem in our hands cannot be solved unless all of us come together and say we cannot continue this way.”

The Chairman of the occasion and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), appreciated the Board of Fellows of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria for organising the public lecture.

Chairman of the Board of Fellows, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN), Dr. Joel Adagadzu said that Obi’s recommendations would provide the BOF with additional discussion points as they work closely with the leadership of PSN to continue the dialogue with government on finding equitable solutions to access to quality medicines for the teeming population.

In his welcome address, the Chairman Planning Committee,  Pharmacist Martins Igbonacho, who welcomed the guests on behalf of the Central Planning Committee of the BOF-PSN, said,:”This is the first time the meeting is being held physically in Anambra State.The meeting before this was held virtually as a result of the Co5vid pandemic restrictions.We are glad to be here live and direct to witness the great hospitality of the Anambrarians.

“This  year, our theme  “Access to Quality Medicines in an Unstable Environment,” is particularly timely and significant in our nation today and we are privileged to have an assembly of distinguished personalities gracing this occasion.

“This gathering is not just an opportunity to discuss the issues at hand but a platform to forge meaningful solutions.The knowledge and insights shared by our eminent speakers and panelists will undoubtedly spark innovative approaches and strategies to overcome the barriers we face.”

He further appreciated members of the planning committee at all levels  for their unwavering commitment and services and thanked the Chairman and Executive Committee of BOF for availing them the opportunity to serve.

In a vote of thanks, Pharm.Damian Izuka, appreciated members of the planning committee for their immense support and guests for gracing the occasion.

 Addressing journalists after the event, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Pharm. Uche Apakama, said, “Access to quality medicine in an unstable environment can be challenging due to various reasons, adding that in an unstable environment, there may be disruptions in the healthcare system, conflicts, political unrest, or lack of infrastructure, all of which can hinder the availability and distribution of quality medicines.

The Chairman BOF LOC Publicity, Prince Chijioke Ofomata, PhD, FPSN, also informed journalists  that the Board Of Fellows (BOF), which is an elite group within the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), is made up of senior and highly accomplished members of the association who have made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria and have thus taken the mantle to host public lectures in line with pertinent issues of the day in other to align both pharmacists and the public with expectations of the times in the pursuit of a better Nigeria.

The occasion attracted Anambra State Commissioner for Health,Dr Afam Obidike,  the Acting Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, among others.