Health Minister Dr Tunji Alausa has called for a complete prohibition on the importation of medical syringes to boost local production and stimulate the nation’s economy.
Dr Alausa made this call during a visit to the state-of-the-art Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited Syringe factory in Ogun State’s Karameh Industrial City.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing to bolster the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create employment opportunities.
Accompanied by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other government officials, Dr. Alausa stressed the importance of restructuring syringe production in Nigeria to ensure the availability of high-quality, locally manufactured products in the market.
He urged NAFDAC to prevent excessive syringe imports, safeguarding the local industry from unhealthy competition.
NAFDAC’s Prof. Adeyeye echoed the need for a collaborative approach among government agencies to tackle the influx of substandard medical devices into the country.
She disclosed NAFDAC’s decision to cease issuing import authorizations for syringes, directing importers to support local producers instead.
Prof. Adeyeye highlighted ongoing efforts to assist Nigerian syringe manufacturers, including collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) for prequalification.
While acknowledging potential initial cost disparities, Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the long-term benefits of supporting local syringe production.
She advocated for tariff exemptions on essential production materials to further incentivize domestic manufacturing.
Mr. Mofid Karameh, Chairman of Mikano International, emphasized his company’s commitment to revolutionizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector through Afrimedical’s internationally accredited manufacturing facility.
Afrimedical’s Managing Director, Mr Akin Oyediran, outlined the company’s vision to not only serve Nigeria but also neighbouring countries with high-quality syringes.
He stressed Afrimedical’s use of advanced technology to minimize plastic usage while maintaining medical-grade standards, showcasing the company’s dedication to healthcare safety and innovation.
