Towards boosting domestic production and shielding the country’s manufacturing sector from foreign competition, the Federal Government has restricted the use of imported syringes in tertiary hospitals.
In a circular signed by the Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, on Friday in Abuja, all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals have been ordered to procure needles and syringes solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.
This directive is aimed to support local pharmaceutical industries that have been struggling due to the influx of foreign goods. According to Alausa, out of nine local companies that produced needles and syringes eight years ago, six have folded up due to the dumping of substandard goods into the market.
The circular also mandates NAFDAC to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes. Companies involved in the importation of these products will be de-listed going forward.
The Minister explained that the health sector has identified local industries that produce high-quality needles and syringes, and it is time to support them. “Mr. President has directed that this must stop. We all agreed to take the necessary steps to immediately remedy this sad situation,” Alausa said.
This move is expected to boost domestic production, create jobs, and ensure the availability of high-quality needles and syringes in tertiary hospitals across the country.
