Victoria Mgbanwa
The Federal Government in collaboration with Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, has recently revealed four herbal products that aids in managing diabetes and Sickle cell disease.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, revealed that the product was developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, during a recent visit in Lagos.
The minister also confirmed that the Federal Government is willing and ready to invest in natural medicine.
He further stated that with the unveiling of the medicine, herbal products would serve as substitutes for foreign drugs amidst the rising cost of drugs in the country.
He said, “I am happy to have verified so many products they have developed. They have those that treat arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension, including the four products that I launched this afternoon.
“This is part of the reason why I am here to launch the four products.
“The drugs are foreign substitutes. You have one for diabetes, you have the one for aging, you have the one for sickle cell, and then the one for upper respiratory tract infection that will replace Augmentin. We should be celebrating.’’
The Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, stated that
Studies have shown that the herbal industry alone will be worth $5tn by
He urged Nigerians to stop depending wholly on imported drugs for their healthcare needs.
“Nobody should make it look like it’s a big deal to do these things. The minister unveiled four products that we started looking at four months ago.
“The products are for upper respiratory tract infection, diabetes, aging, and sickle cell.We should value local drug manufacturing and stop being dependent on foreign drugs. We should value research.
“By October 2024, the agency will have 11 products that will be unveiled by the President which will create over two million jobs”, he said.
