Pharmacists ask Tinubu to lift ban on Importation of medical consumables, others

A reputable  health organization  known as Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on President Bola Tinubu through the Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, to  lift the ban on the importation of medical consumables and devices as well as drugs in the country.  

In a letter signed by ACPN's National Chairman, Adewale Oladigbolu and the National Secretary, Ashore Omokhafe said, the ban would also thwart steps made by the Federal Government over the years to sanitise the nation’s open drug  markets.

In a letter to the Presidency titled,  ‘A Need For A Presidential Redress of the Gaffe by Tunji Alausa,’ the  Pharmacists expressed their disapproval of the ban as it is a step in the wrong direction, adding that, if it is not lifted, it would lead to monopoly and stock-outs in the supply value chain of syringes in the country. 

Meanwhile, the organization  observed that a few months ago, in a circular signed by the Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa advocated for the use of locally manufactured needles and syringes. 

According to the association, Alausa in the circular also instructed ­ NAFDAC to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign-manufactured needles and syringes and to de-list companies involved in the importation of these products.

The ACPN's officials said the association has thoroughly viewed the circular, noting that it does not align with the convention and pro­tocol of the civil service in Nigeria.

The healthcare group stressed that Alausa’s action is the reason the pharmaceutical industries need the technical input of a seasoned Registered Pharmacist to serve as Chairman of  the Presidential Committee on Drug Distribution and Advisor on Pharmaceuticals  to drive prog­ress in the country. 

The letter partly reads: “Your Excellency, the ACPN appeals to your sense of judgment in good conscience to quash the unlawful and vengeful circular of the Hon. Minister of State, Tunji Alausa for reasons well highlighted in this memo". 

“Your Excellency, the output of Alausa is yet another vindica­tion that pharmaceutically-inclined endeavours need the technical input of a seasoned Registered Pharma­cist in the capacities of a Chairman of the  Presidential Committee on Drug Distribution and Advisor on Pharmaceuticals to gain the desired momentum in Nigeria".

The asso­ciation as well as notable healthcare leaders and professionals want Alausa to apply caution in his action.