The Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Farouk Salim, has canvassed the strengthening of the pharmaceutical sector through development of standards that deal with peculiar problems.
Salim made this call yesterday while delivering the maiden Public Lecture themed: “The Impact of Standards on the Practice of Pharmacy Profession,” of the Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.
He said the call became necessary as standards in the pharmaceutical sector are crucial given its role in the care of the sick.
“It is the existence of standards that assures the safety of lives and properties as they establish boundaries and advocate responsibilities.
“In addition, the pharmacy practice in its entirety both in the clinical and industrial practice has tolerance for error as derived from standards,” he said.
It is the existence of standards that assures the safety of lives and properties as they establish boundaries and advocate responsibilities.
Salim, also a pharmacist, regretted that only 3% of the drugs in the Nigerian market are produced locally.
“In spite of the great potential for the pharmaceutical industry in Africa with increasing urbanisation, healthcare capacity and supportive business environment as the major drivers of the Africa pharmaceutical market, 95% of all medicines produced in Africa are imported with only three per cent being produced locally,” he said.
Salim noted, however, that SON given its statutory function as the facilitator and enabler of standards and Secretariat of the Standards Council of Nigeria is critical for the survival of Nigeria’s industrial sector.
In his opening remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the event signposted the commitment of the institution to scholastic engagements and community services aimed at strengthening its relationship with society.
Ezemonye said the university management recently awarded a grant of N2.5 million for the College of Pharmacy for research and drug development.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that the college’s Cancer and Reproductive Research Group is currently working on development of therapeutics useful in easing labour, reducing postpartum haemorrhage and reduction in mother/child mortality/morbidity. (NAN)
