The Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) has announced the commencement of local production of pharmaceutical products to address drug accessibility and affordability issues within the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Kim Bot, made this announcement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jos.
Bot, a pharmacist, highlighted that the agency has already manufactured five pharmaceutical products, signaling the start of a significant stride toward self-reliance in healthcare.
Manufactured products
The locally produced pharmaceuticals include:
- Cough syrup
- Antacid (Mist. Magnesium Trisilicate) for oral use
- Methylated spirit
- An antiseptic for external use
- Sanitisers for surface cleaning
Bot noted that these products have undergone efficacy testing, yielding exceptional results. “The efficacy of the products had been tested and superb results were gotten,” he stated.
In addition to manufacturing, Bot discussed the agency’s pharmaceutical-grade warehouse, which exemplifies the Plateau State government’s dedication to ensuring the quality, safety, and efficiency of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The warehouse features advanced temperature control systems, cutting-edge inventory management technology, and stringent security measures.
“This warehouse serves as a vital link between pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers, ultimately benefiting countless patients who rely on these essential medicines,” he explained.
As the agency moves forward, it plans to scale up production once it secures registration and certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Bot added that the majority of raw materials for these products were locally sourced, with only one ingredient being imported.
According to Bot, this local manufacturing effort is expected to enhance the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines within the state. “The efforts would bring about accessibility and affordability,” he reiterated.
Bot also praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in the state. He acknowledged the governor’s role in ensuring that Plateau residents receive the best possible healthcare services.
Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector is making strides toward increasing local drug production, with a target to reach 70% manufacturing capacity. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), revealed that local production has already surpassed 30%, nearing 40%. Adeyeye stated, “Our goal is to increase local manufacturing to 70% while limiting importation to 10%.”
In addition to this initiative, NAFDAC has approved 105 application for the establishment of drug manufacturing facilities across Nigeria, out of 143 submissions. These facilities comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and NAFDAC’s GMP for Medicinal Products Regulations 2021.
According to Adeyeye, 35% of the approved facilities have already completed construction and are advancing through the registration process in line with NAFDAC’s guidelines for pharmaceutical plant establishment.
These efforts are to improve affordability, drug security and reduce dependence on imported medicines in Nigeria.
