Drugs in open market

NATIONAL Coordinator of presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain initiative, domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Abdu Mukhtar, has disclosed that Nigeria imports 70 per cent pharmaceuticals, 99 per cent medical devices and 100 per cent vaccines.

  Mukhtar, in his presentation, yesterday, at the 11th Medic West Africa exhibition in Lägos, healthcare products were heavily dominated by imports with low local manufacturing activities.

  He presented top pharmaceuticals import countries, with India leading with 32 per cent, followed by Netherlands with 31 per cent and China with 10 per cent.

  On the 99 per cent import of medical devices, China, according to him, leads with 36 per cent; Germany, 10 per cent, followed by France, nine per cent; and India, eight per cent, while vaccines showed 100 per cent importation with the statement.

  The presentation highlighted heavy reliance on imports, with India and China emerging top importers.

  “Local manufacturing continues to build momentum with pharmaceutical leading the way, currently only producing finished health product goods.

  “Overall local manufacturing growth is expected across board due to increasing interests and support by public and private stakeholders, ” it added.

  The event, organised by Informa Markets and Medic West Africa, commenced, yesterday, at Landmark Centre in Lagos.

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