Drug producers to brainstorm on health care June 2

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has announced plans for its biennial forum slated for June 2, 2016, in Abuja.

The group said the 2016 edition would focus on the development of an innovative approach to address the challenges in the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued on Monday, the group said the forum with the theme, “Medicines’ Security and National Self-Sufficiency: Maximising Medicines,” has been carefully developed to align with the government’s policy thrust which advocates using Nigerian solutions for Nigerian problems.

The statement said the keynote address would be delivered by the PMG-MAN Chairman, Mr. Okey Akpa; while Dr. Mark Abani, who is the Non-Executive Director of Crown Agents and Lead Consultant of MSCA Projects, would be the guest speaker.

Also expected at the event are the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Sam Egwu.

The statement partly read, “Policy experts and health strategists have suggested that this innovative multi-stakeholder forum, as well as the development of the networks, structures and processes that would follow it, would mark a fresh and innovative model on how medicines are provided for Nigerians.

“Historically, providing adequate access to high-quality health care for Nigerians has been one of the most intractable challenges for the Federal Government and other important stakeholders involved in national health care provision.

Although some progress has been made recently, there are still significant barriers to the provision of optimum health care for the average Nigerian. This is evidenced by the relevant health indices such as life expectancy, maternal mortality ratio and infant mortality rate which are still relatively poor.”

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