To address the current challenges of local drug manufacturing and high cost of essential medicines, Health journalists under the auspices of the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) plans to proffer lasting solutions to the problem.
HEWAN is set to hold its 13th yearly Symposium/Excellence Award at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, Lagos, themed: “Dwindling Local Drug Production and High Cost of Essential Medicines: Rethinking Strategies for Growth.”
In a press statement jointly signed by HEWAN President, Chioma Obinna and the Secretary, Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu, they explained that the theme became necessary as patients with chronic illnesses and many vulnerable Nigerians are finding it difficult to buy their medications, as well as access quality healthcare services.
The association said: “Today, many Nigerians can no longer afford medicines for their ailments, couple with the high level of fake drugs in circulation.” HEWAN believes that the array of experts from the pharmaceutical industry would deliberate on the issue as part of finding a lasting solution to the problem.
They said that the sub-themes ‘Funding as a Catalyst for a Resilient Pharmaceutical Sector’ and ‘HPV Vaccination in Nigeria: Challenges, Prospects, and Way Forward’, would equally be discussed and dissected by experts in the fields.
“The President, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), Mr Oluwatosin Jolayemi, Mr Oluwatosin Jolayemi, who is the keynote speaker will join other stakeholders to discuss some of the challenges and hindrances to local drug manufacturing in the country and ways to address them.”
The programme will also feature awards to Fidelis Ayebae of Fidson Healthcare PLC; the Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof Babatunde Salako, and Dr Ignorgbor Chukwumeka, an academic and researcher in public health and environmental microbiology for outstanding performance in their areas of specialty.
