Victoria Mgbanwa
The Federal Government has authorized the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cease from granting licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known on Friday in a circular addressing all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to also make sure to purchase needles and syringes only from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.
“NAFDAC has been mandated to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes.
“This Directive is aimed at boosting domestic production and shielding the country’s manufacturing sector from the influx of foreign goods.
“All Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to procure needles and syringes solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.
“Mr President has directed that this must stop. We all agreed to take the necessary steps to immediately remedy this sad situation.
“It is also to de-list companies involved in the importation of these products going forward.”
