The directive from the Federal Government requires all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to exclusively purchase needles and syringes from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers, as stated in a circular signed by the Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, in Abuja.
The main objective behind this directive is to support and enhance domestic production while safeguarding the country’s manufacturing sector from the negative impact of foreign products flooding the market.
Additionally, the circular instructs NAFDAC to cease issuing licenses for the importation of foreign-made needles and syringes, emphasizing the importance of promoting local pharmaceutical industries that have been struggling due to the influx of substandard goods.
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Alausa highlighted the critical situation faced by local pharmaceutical companies that have been forced to shut down over the years, attributing this to the prevalence of low-quality imported products.
The Minister emphasized that President’s directive is aimed at putting an end to this detrimental trend and ensuring that immediate actions are taken to rectify the situation.
As a result, NAFDAC has been tasked with discontinuing the issuance of licenses for foreign-made needles and syringes, as well as removing companies involved in the importation of these items from their approved list.
