Health workers represented by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association (AHPA) have pointed fingers at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for exacerbating the high cost of drugs and regulated products in Nigeria.
In a petition addressed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and signed by their national secretary, Ajirotu, the health workers highlighted various NAFDAC policies that they believe have led to increased hardship for Nigerians seeking affordable and effective medication.
The petition, titled “The Escalating Cost of Drugs/Other Regulated Products and the Catalytic Activities of the DG, NAFDAC,” outlined grievances against NAFDAC’s director-general, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, for implementing policies that contradict the objectives of the National Drug Policy. Despite these concerns, President Tinubu recently reappointed Adeyeye for another term.
One of the contentious policies cited in the petition is a recent directive by NAFDAC regarding the quality of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in the production of Finished Pharmaceutical Products (FPPs) for the Nigerian market. Additionally, the health workers expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement for importers to pay Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) tariffs and what they perceive as selective and discriminatory sanctions imposed by NAFDAC.
Furthermore, the health workers criticized a memorandum from NAFDAC limiting the sources of APIs and FPPs for product registration, which they argue would restrict competition and lead to higher drug costs. They emphasized the detrimental impact of such policies on access to affordable medication for Nigerians, especially amidst assurances from government officials about efforts to reduce drug prices.
The health workers contrasted Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry with that of India, noting India’s successful policies that prioritize affordable medicine access and support for local industry growth. They accused the NAFDAC DG of undermining Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector growth for personal gain, calling for her resignation if her interests align more with international appointments than national development.
In conclusion, the health workers urged the government to prioritize national interests over foreign expectations and take decisive action to address the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria. They emphasized the need for policies that support local industry growth and ensure affordable medication for all Nigerians.
