The high cost of drugs due to heavy import reliance has triggered a growing demand for increased local manufacturing of specialised drugs tailored to the unique genetic needs of Nigerians.
Key stakeholders within the Health Federation of Nigeria (HFN) are seeking government support to transition from generic to specialized drug production, aiming to strengthen local capacity and ensure drug security.
Specialty drugs are high-cost medications that treat rare, complex, and chronic health conditions. They may be prescribed to treat conditions like cancer, diabetes, infertility and hepatitis among other diseases.
But with a pharmaceutical sector largely focused on non-specialty and a foreign exchange crisis that has made importing exorbitant, specialised drugs are beyond the reach of many at the point of sale.
Pamela Ajayi, HFN’s president said and diversifying local production to include specialty drugs should be paid attention even as measures to tackle crippling infrastructure high costs like power; access to Forex, and financial incentives to foster innovation in the manufacturing landscape are pursued.
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done to identify what is best for our people and our local manufacturers to be enabled to produce drugs that work for us as Africans and as Nigerians,” Ajayi said speaking at a briefing on the second annual conference of HFN.
The conference aims to achieve an integration of efforts from the public and private sectors to forge a sustainable growth for goof quality healthcare delivery in the country.
The idea is to ensure that all key stakeholders are on a page to achieve improved health outcomes for all.
Exploring the theme: ‘Bridging the Gaps in Healthcare: Public-Private Integration as a catalyst for sustainable growth’, Tunji Alausa, minister of State for Health and Social Welfare is expected to open the conference, delivering a keynote address.
Abdu Muthiar, national coordinator, Presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain Initiative is expected to unveil government’s plans to optimise the healthcare value chain, highlighting pathways for innovation, collaboration and enhanced patient care.
The first two presentations at the conference will dive into addressing the urgent need for fiscal policy, incentives and reforms in the health sector; and the role of the private sector in the health investment renewal.
Others will explore digital health revolution: harnessing AI and technology for sustainable growth; reviving pharmaceutical and health products manufacturing through public-private synergies.
Njide Ndili, HFN’s vice president said the advocacy aims to ensure that the policy and the environment is favourable for stakeholders to operate.
“The coordinating minister has talked about health sector renewal strategy, which has spurred us to understand the strategy. There will be a delivery to understand it and better integrate our efforts,” she said.
A session of the conference, HFN Women’s Forum will explore the tips and tricks of raising funds for female-founded healthcare initiatives, reflecting on healthcare sector supply chain optimization and strategic partnerships.
