NAPHARM urges FG to prioritise drug availability as security matter

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) has called on the Federal Government to treat the availability of essential medicines as a security matter.

The Vice President of NAPHARM, Ifeanyi Atueyi, made the appeal during a press briefing on Friday in Lagos ahead of the academy’s 10th anniversary and investiture of new fellows on September 19, 2024.

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

He said the availability of medicines was crucial for the well being of citizens and should be a top priority for the government.

“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 the availability of medicines should be treated as a security matter in the country,” he said.

He urged the government to adopt more sustainable approaches to truly foster the growth of the sector.

In addition to the call for improved drug availability, NAPHARM announced that it would be honouring Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, as an honorary fellow of the academy.

Zulum will be the fourth recipient of this prestigious award, following in the footsteps of General Yakubu Gowon, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma and Aare Afe Babalola.

The academy also unveiled plans for the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy Innovation Centre (NAPIC).