The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Kwara State, Pharmacist Abdulmalik Mohammed Baba, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving tax waivers for the pharmaceutical sector, saying the policy will significantly reduce the cost of medicines across the country.
Pharmacist Abdulmalik while speaking in Ilorin Kwara State, North Central region on Saturday told Newsmen that the two-year tax relief granted to pharmaceutical companies would ease the burden of production and importation, especially amid high foreign exchange rates.
According to him, “importation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) is very expensive, and the high exchange rate has been a major factor driving up the cost of drugs. With this tax waiver, we expect a drastic reduction in prices.”
He described the policy as timely, noting that it would improve access to essential medicines for Nigerians.
The PSN chairman also lauded Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for reforms in the health sector, particularly the improved welfare of healthcare workers.
He said the governor ensured that pharmacists in the state civil service are paid in line with their counterparts at the federal level through the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), a move he said has boosted morale and helped retain skilled professionals despite rising emigration.
“Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done exceptionally well. The remuneration of healthcare workers in Kwara is commendable and has reduced the impact of the ‘Japa’ syndrome in the sector,” he said.
Pharmacist Abdulmalik added that the state government also restored accreditation for internship training of pharmacists after over two decades and approved the pharmacist consultant cadre, describing both as major milestones for the profession.
On inter-professional relations, he said pharmacists in Kwara maintain a cordial working relationship with medical doctors, contrary to tensions reported in some other states.
“Our relationship with doctors in Kwara is very smooth. We collaborate on programmes and support one another professionally,” he said.
Speaking on the controversial ban on sachet alcohol, Baba said the society played a key role in public enlightenment on its health risks, particularly its high ethanol content.
“Some sachet alcohol products contain as much as 40 to 50 per cent ethanol. This poses serious health risks, especially as they are easily accessible and often abused,” he said.
He explained that the suspension of the ban was influenced by strong industry stakeholders, noting that the alcohol sector involves multi-billion dollar investments.
On drug safety, the PSN chairman warned Nigerians against patronising unregistered medicine vendors, urging them to buy drugs only from licensed pharmacies.
“People should look out for the ‘Rx’ symbol and ensure they buy from registered pharmacies. That is the only way to avoid fake or substandard drugs,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged the efforts of regulatory agencies such as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in curbing the circulation of counterfeit and illicit drugs.
Abdulmalik noted that enforcement actions by these agencies, including closure of illegal premises and seizure of unregistered products, have helped reduce the prevalence of fake medicines.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the PSN to continued collaboration with regulators to safeguard public health.
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