FG Prohibits Utilization Of Foreign Injection Devices In Tertiary Hospitals
The Federal Government has ordered all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to exclusively purchase needles and syringes from locally approved manufacturers sanctioned by NAFDAC.
The latest instruction is outlined in a circular directed to all CMDs and MDs, signed by Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, on Friday.
The Minister stated that the directive was intended to enhance local production and protect the nation’s manufacturing sector from the influx of foreign products.
The circular additionally required NAFDAC to cease granting permits for the importation of needles and syringes manufactured abroad.
Alausa said the health sector had dentified local pharmaceutical industries that produce needles and syringes that were in serious trouble because of the practice.
He also said that out of the nine local pharmaceutical companies that produced needles and syringes eight years ago, six have folded up due to the dumping of largely substandard goods into the market.
“Mr President has directed that this must stop. We all agreed to take the necessary steps to immediately remedy this sad situation.
“Pursuant to this, NAFDAC has been mandated to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes.
“It is also to de-list companies involved in the importation of these products going forward,” he said.
