FG partners GSK to boost local production of drugs

The Federal Government is advancing its commitment to ensure a self-sustaining healthcare system by collaborating with pharmaceutical giant, GSK, to bolster local drug production in Nigeria.

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The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, revealed this on his official X account on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the collaboration was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative toward unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).

According to Pate, the initiative is to transform Nigeria into a hub for high-quality health product manufacturing and reduce dependency on importation of medical supplies.

In a recent discussion with GSK, the minister highlighted government’s focus on local production of essential pharmaceutical products.

He said “GSK’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s health sector through localised production marks a significant step toward achieving our health security objectives.

“The partnership aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a key component of building a robust healthcare system that meets the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

“Through the PVAC framework, Nigeria aims to reduce reliance on imports, enhance economic resilience and boost job creation in the health sector.

“By fostering such collaborations, we are working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians, in alignment with the bold vision set forth by Mr President under PVAC.”

He explained that the GSK partnership was not solely about meeting Nigeria’s internal needs but also positioning Nigeria as leader in the African healthcare industry.

“Local production would enable Nigeria to tap into regional markets, potentially serving as a supplier of essential medications across Africa.”

Quoting Mr Kunle Oyelana, GSK’s Vice President and Head of General Medicines for Europe, Pate noted GSK’s dedication to shared goals, including developing a localized production facility to meet the demand for essential medicines across Nigeria and beyond.

The minister also acknowledged Dr Abdu Mukhtar, PVAC’s Coordinator, for his leadership in executing President Tinubu’s mandate, saying, “Dr Mukhtar’s relentless efforts inspired confidence that our joint sacrifices would soon yield a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria.”

GSK combines science, technology and talent to advance disease prevention and treatment.

The company specialises in vaccines, specialities and general medicines, focusing on four core areas: infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/immunology, and oncology.

NAN/Wumi