Nigeria’s local pharmaceutical industry is still struggling due to the country’s dire economic situation, said Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Fidelis Ayebae.
Ayebae, who was the chief pitcher at the book launch and end of term ceremony of outgoing Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) Registrar, Pharm Elijah Mohammed, denounced the non-availability of foreign currency to import materials raw or packaging materials, chemicals, as well as the import of life-saving drugs.
According to him, when the economy is in trouble, one of the few things that suffers first is the health sector.
Outgoing NCP Registrar Pharm Elijah Mohammed said pharmacists were not over-regulated contrary to popular belief.
He said: “We don’t over-regulate them, in fact we feel the regulations aren’t even strict enough for us right now. The only problem is that the regulations on the ground now aim to impose good pharmaceutical practices on pharmacists, and because throughout the chain of practice, you must always see a pharmacist; whether it is wholesale, retail, import and manufacturing, among others, there must be a responsible pharmacist before the board.
Pharm Mohammed, however, said the regulations are being reviewed so that the pharmacist, the businessman and anyone involved are held accountable for any malpractice found in the pharmaceutical landscape.
