Treat drug availability, affordability as security matter,

By Doris Obinna

 The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) has urged the Federal Government to treat the availability and affordability of medicines as a strategic national security matter.

The academy said the current difficulties encountered in the sourcing of medicines as required in the country is as a result of unavailability as they used to be and the few available ones are not affordable.

The Vice President, NAPharm, Ifeanyi Atueyi, addressing journalists in Lagos, at the weekend, ahead of the academy’s 10th anniversary and investiture of new Fellows holding on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Akoka, Lagos, expressed worry over the high cost of essential drugs and their unavailability.

He bemoaned that the current exchange rate, which is the component, if not tackled, will amount to nothing.

“It has always been the position of the academy that medicines availability should be treated as a security matter in the country. When people are sick, they need medicines for restoration to the normal state of affairs.

“Government must, as a deliberate and direct policy, ensure the growth and development of the pharmaceutical industry and sustain them with patronage. We commend and encourage the government to do these things in a sustainable way to truly grow the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.”

Atueyi, who also announced that all is set for the investiture of nine new Fellows, added that it would also bestow an honour Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.

“The Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who is the special guest of honour, would be the fourth recipient of this prestigious award while Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will be represented at the ceremony.

“The previous awardees include: General Yakubu Gowon, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, and Aare Afe Babalola. Also to receive Lifetime Achievement Award for their significant roles in various sectors include: Prof. Attahiru Jega, Prof. Julius Okojie, and Oludolapo Akinkugbe.

“Since the inauguration in 2014, with 47 foundation Fellows, the list will rise to 133 by Thursday and one new life Fellow will be added, bringing the number of life Fellows to eleven.”

Reiterating the theme for this year’s investiture, “Healthcare Transformation & National Development,” Atueyi explained that healthcare is one of the most critical pillars of any society, serving as a foundation for individuals’ well-being and economic growth. “When a nation invests in transforming its healthcare system, it invests in its people, the most important asset of a nation and, ultimately, its future.”

In addition, he said, the academy on that day, will unveil its giant project, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy Innovation Centre (NAPIC). This centre is to address the critical need for advanced research, development, and innovation in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

“Despite the country’s rich biodiversity and potential for pharmaceutical advancement, the industry has been hindered by inadequate research infrastructure, limited funding, and insufficient collaboration for scientific discovery, pharmaceutical innovation, and developing homegrown solutions to our health challenges.”

“The NAPharm is one of the seven academies in Nigeria. Others are Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Nigerian Academy of Letters, Nigerian Academy of Science, Nigerian Academy of Medicine Specialties, Nigerian Academy of Medicine and Nigerian Academy of Social Sciences,” Atueyi said.