Make essential medicines’ availability a security matter, stakeholders tell FG

Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) has called on Federal Government to make the availability of essential medicines a security matter.The academy made the call just as a firm, Straight Business Integrated (SBI), urged the government to provide a stimulus for small-scale businesses in the country, especially those involved in extensive research on therapeutic products with the potential to enhance the health and well-being of communities.

NAPHARM Vice President, Ifeanyi Atueyi, made his call at a press conference, yesterday, in Lagos ahead of the academy’s 10th anniversary and investiture of new fellows on September 19.

Atueyi expressed deep concern over the scarcity and exorbitant cost of essential drugs in the country.

“Medicines are not available as they used to be and the few available ones are not affordable. It has always been the position of the academy that medicine availability should be treated as a security matter in the country.

“When people are sick, they need medicines for restoration to the normal state of affairs. Government must, as deliberate and direct policy, ensure the growth and development of the pharmaceutical industry and sustain them with patronage.”

On the other hand, the General Manager, Straight Business Integrated, Uchena Dominic, spoke at a programme in Ikeja, Lagos, tagged, “New Oil Well: Towards Wellness And Financial Freedom”.

Representing the CEO of the company, Daniel Newman, Dominic said: “The Nigerian government should support new and small businesses and make it easy to operate. We have employed Nigerians and they are making a living from this business.” He said the theme of the four-day event aligned with the calls for diversification of Nigeria’s economy, a shift from crude oil.

“Our organisation, Straight Business Integrated, is a divine mandate, originating from the Zeb Fate Foundation International. This initiative, conceived as my brainchild, serves as a platform for positively impacting the lives of individuals.

“My aspiration extends beyond improving the living conditions of Nigerians to encompass the broader African populace. This aspiration led me to delve into extensive research on therapeutic products with the potential to enhance the health and well-being of our communities.”