The Federal Government has issued a directive mandating all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to procure needles and syringes solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers. This directive, aimed at boosting domestic production, was conveyed in a circular signed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The minister emphasized that the move is intended to protect the country's manufacturing sector from the influx of foreign goods. The circular also instructed NAFDAC to cease issuing licenses for the importation of foreign-manufactured needles and syringes.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the dire situation facing local pharmaceutical industries that produce these medical supplies, noting that out of nine such companies operating eight years ago, six have closed due to the influx of largely substandard foreign products into the market.
In response to this, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the importation of foreign needles and syringes must cease. NAFDAC is now tasked with halting the issuance of import licenses for these products and delisting companies involved in their importation.
