FG mandates procurement of needles, syringes from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers

The Federal Government has issued a directive requiring all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to procure needles and syringes exclusively from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.

In a move aimed at bolstering domestic production and safeguarding Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, the Federal Government has mandated all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to source needles and syringes solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.

The directive, outlined in a circular addressed to all CMDs and MDs, was signed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Friday.

Dr Alausa highlighted that the measure was essential to curb the influx of foreign goods into the country and promote the growth of local pharmaceutical industries.

The circular also instructed NAFDAC to cease issuing licenses for the importation of foreign-manufactured needles and syringes.

Dr Alausa emphasized the detrimental impact of foreign goods dumping on local manufacturers, revealing that several local pharmaceutical companies producing needles and syringes had folded up in recent years due to the practice.

In response to this directive, Dr Alausa stated, “Mr President has directed that this must stop. We all agreed to take the necessary steps to immediately remedy this sad situation.”

He further announced NAFDAC’s mandate to halt the issuance of importation licenses for foreign-made needles and syringes and to de-list companies involved in such imports.

Furthermore, all tertiary hospitals under the directive are instructed to procure needles and syringes exclusively from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.

The approved manufacturers include EL-Salmat Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd (Brand Name: Salmaject), HMA Medical Ltd (Brand Name: Deleject), and Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Ltd.

Dr Alausa also provided a list of distributors of the approved companies in various states of the Federation to facilitate the procurement process for the hospitals.

This move is anticipated to not only support local manufacturers but also ensure the availability of quality medical supplies in healthcare facilities across the country.