The Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) has officially launched the local production of pharmaceutical products aimed at improving drug accessibility and affordability in the state.

During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jos, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Kim Bot, shared this development. As a pharmacist, Bot emphasized that the agency has successfully produced five pharmaceutical products, marking a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in healthcare.

The locally manufactured pharmaceutical products include: Cough syrup, Antacid (Mist. Magnesium Trisilicate) for oral consumption, Methylated spirit, An antiseptic for external application and Surface cleaning sanitizers.

Bot confirmed that these products have undergone rigorous efficacy testing, which yielded outstanding results. “The efficacy of the products has been tested, and the results were excellent,” he remarked.

In addition to production, Bot highlighted the agency’s pharmaceutical-grade warehouse, which reflects the Plateau State government’s commitment to maintaining the quality, safety, and efficiency of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The facility is equipped with advanced temperature control systems, state-of-the-art inventory management technology, and robust security protocols.

“This warehouse acts as a crucial link between pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers, ultimately benefiting numerous patients who depend on these vital medications,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the agency intends to increase production once it obtains registration and certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Bot also noted that most of the raw materials for these products are sourced locally, with only one ingredient being imported.

In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Bot highlighted the agency's pharmaceutical-grade warehouse, which reflects the Plateau State government's commitment to maintaining the quality, safety, and efficiency of the pharmaceutical supply chain. This facility is equipped with advanced temperature control systems, state-of-the-art inventory management technology, and robust security protocols.

"This warehouse acts as a crucial connection between pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers, ultimately serving countless patients who depend on these vital medications," he stated.

Regarding NAFDAC registration and certification, the agency aims to increase production once it obtains the necessary approvals from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Bot noted that most of the raw materials for these products are sourced locally, with only one ingredient being imported.

He emphasized that this local manufacturing initiative is anticipated to improve the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines in the state. "These efforts will enhance both accessibility and affordability," he reiterated.

Bot also commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his steadfast dedication to advancing healthcare in the state, recognizing the governor's efforts to ensure that residents of Plateau receive top-quality healthcare services.

Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry is progressing towards enhancing local drug production, aiming for a manufacturing capacity of 70%. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), announced that local production has already exceeded 30% and is approaching 40%. She emphasized, "Our objective is to elevate local manufacturing to 70% while restricting imports to 10%."

In support of this initiative, NAFDAC has granted approval for 105 applications to establish drug manufacturing facilities throughout Nigeria, out of a total of 143 submissions. These facilities adhere to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and NAFDAC’s GMP for Medicinal Products Regulations 2021.

Adeyeye noted that 35% of the approved facilities have completed construction and are currently progressing through the registration process in accordance with NAFDAC’s guidelines for establishing pharmaceutical plants.

These initiatives aim to enhance affordability, ensure drug security, and decrease reliance on imported medications in Nigeria.