Nigerian Government Bans Foreign Syringes in Hospitals, Promotes Procurement of NAFDAC-Approved Local Alternatives

In a bid to boost local production and safeguard the Nigerian manufacturing sector, the Federal Government has issued a directive mandating all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to procure needles and syringes exclusively from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.

The announcement, made by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, aims to curb the influx of foreign goods and support domestic pharmaceutical industries.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dr Alausa revealed that out of nine local pharmaceutical companies producing needles and syringes eight years ago, six have shut down due to the influx of substandard foreign products.

This detrimental trend has prompted President’s intervention to halt the practice and revive the struggling local industry.

Under the new directive, NAFDAC will cease issuing licenses for the importation of foreign-manufactured needles and syringes, while companies involved in such importation will be delisted.

Tertiary hospitals are instructed to procure these medical supplies solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers such as EL-Salmat Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd, HMA Medical Ltd., and Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Ltd.

Furthermore, the Minister provided a list of distributors in various states to facilitate the procurement process for the hospitals.

This proactive measure aims to ensure the availability of quality medical supplies while fostering the growth of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.