(NAFDAC Director General, Prof Adeyeye in group photograph with NHIA DG, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, his entourage and NAFDAC principal officers)
(Prof. Adeyeye stressing an important point during the visit)
– Advocates involvement of both NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) in the procurement processes of medicines as a critical measure to curb the circulation of counterfeit and expired drugs in healthcare facilities
By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): In line with the Presidential Renewed Hope Agenda for Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has began collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to improve access to quality medicines in hospitals across the country.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while speaking during a courtesy visit to her by the Director-General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri.
Prof. Adeyeye noted that the unfolding collaboration between NAFDAC and NHIA would be a renewed drive to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, for the achievement the Presidential directive aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians.
Prof. Adeyeye however stressed the need and importance of involving both NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) in the procurement processes of medicines.
According to her, such collaboration ‘:is critical to curbing the circulation of counterfeit and expired drugs in healthcare facilities and ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe, effective, and high-quality medicines.”
She further highlighted the regulatory roles of NAFDAC and PCN, noting that their responsibilities extend to monitoring compliance, sanctioning defaulters, revoking licenses, and, where necessary, shutting down pharmaceutical companies that fail to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
The NAFDAC boss also expressed concern over the challenges Nigerians face in accessing quality healthcare services, particularly those covered under the NHIA scheme. She described the experiences of many patients as difficult and, at times, traumatic.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Prof. Adeyeye pledged that NAFDAC would continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant government agencies to ensure the availability of quality medicines.
The NAFDAC DG reiterated her Agency’s commitment to helping to alleviate the burden faced by citizens in accessing healthcare, a burden which is being tackled through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ s Renewed Hope agenda for easy access to healthcare be all Nigerians.
In his remarks, the NHIA Director-General Dr. Ohiri, commended Prof. Adeyeye for her leadership and dedication to safeguarding public health through the regulation of medicines and other products.
He noted that effective healthcare delivery required strong synergy between regulatory bodies and service providers.
Dr. Ohiri explained that the purpose of his visit was to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NHIA and NAFDAC, strengthen institutional collaboration, and discuss ongoing reforms aimed at improving healthcare access and advancing the medicines supply initiative.
He also highlighted the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund as a key initiative designed to expand health insurance coverage and address pressing concerns of citizens.
The NHIA DG appreciated Prof. Adeyeye for identifying challenges faced by patients and assured that the ongoing reforms within NHIA would address most of these issues. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)