Health journalists under the auspices of the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) have said they are concerned about the cost of essential drugs and increased disease burden in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the President, Chioma Obinna, and the Secretary, Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu, the group explained that patients with chronic illnesses and many vulnerable Nigerians were finding it difficult to buy their medications and access quality healthcare services.
The statement stated that the development necessitated the HEWAN annual symposium coming up on June 27 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja.
It said that the theme of the symposium is “Dwindling Local Drug Production and High Cost of Essential Medicines: Rethinking Strategies for Growth”.
“Today, many Nigerians can no longer afford medicines for their ailments, coupled with the high level of fake drugs in circulation.
“HEWAN, in line with its visions and missions, believes that the array of experts from the pharmaceutical industry would deliberate on the issue as part of finding a lasting solution to the problem.”
The keynote speaker, Mr Oluwatosin Jolayemi, President, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), and other stakeholders would discuss some of the challenges and hindrances to local drug manufacturing in the country and ways to address them.
The sub-themes for the event, which are: “Funding as a Catalyst for a Resilient Pharmaceutical Sector” and “HPV Vaccination in Nigeria: Challenges, prospects, and Way Forward”, will be delivered by Adewale Oladigbolu, National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, respectively.
Akinjide Adeosun, Chief Executive Officer of St Racheal’s Pharmaceuticals, will chair the symposium.
“HEWAN will also be awarding Pharm. Fidelis Ayebae of Fidson Healthcare PLC; the Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako; and Dr. Ignorgbor Jude Chukwumeke, an academic and researcher in public health and environmental microbiology, for outstanding performance in their areas of speciality.
