NAIP launches pharmaceutical research centre to boost drug quality, safety

The Federal Government has restated its determination to end medical tourism by strengthening and equipping existing health facilities, as well as providing the right manpower.

It lamented that over $1 billion was being spent yearly in the past 15 years by Nigerians on medical tourism.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun, and his Information and National Orientation counterpart, Mohammed Idris, stated at the commissioning of an additional Linear Accelerator and Oncology Infrastructure Upgrade at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, that the President Bola Tinubu administration is passionate about changing the quality of healthcare in Nigeria.

The project was in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Medserve.

He stated that the President had, in the last two years, doubled the health budget, stressing that from about N1.7 billion last year, the budget was increased to about N2.3 billion this year.

Ali Pate stated that the President means well for the people of Nigeria and had approved the installation of a modern linear accelerator in each of the country’s geopolitical zones based on his realisation that the major illness that takes Nigerians abroad was cancer.

MEANWHILE, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has launched a new research centre that focuses on rigorous quality assurance processes, ensuring that all pharmaceutical products undergo thorough evaluations for quality upon receipt and before distribution.

This commitment aims to enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, confirming compliance with national and international standards.

The centre, at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) located in Oba, Idemili South Local Council of Anambra State, also aims to establish state-of-the-art research centres across key coordinated wholesale centres in Kano, Anambra, and Lagos, creating a central distribution hub for pharmaceutical products while significantly advancing the pharmaceutical landscape in Nigeria.

It aligns with efforts to address drug insecurity and establish a more organised pharmaceutical market, thereby enhancing the country’s reputation on the global stage. The groundbreaking ceremony was conducted by Dr U.N.O. Uwaga, with His Royal Majesty (HRM) Igwe Ezechuamagha I of Ogidi Kingdom serving as the Guest of Honour.

The ceremony marked a momentous occasion, with NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo emphasising the importance of this project.