The Chairman, PSN, Prof. Cyril Usofih, made the call during
a courtesy visit to Bond Chemical Group of Companies in Awe, Oyo State.
Speaking on the issue of drug importation and the need to
support local manufacturers, Usofih explained that sustaining local drug
production, particularly for products that could be manufactured within the
country, would discourage the reliance on imports and promote the growth of
local manufacturing.
He assured members of the pharmaceutical society that the
issue of unnecessary billing on licenses and registrations would be tackled as
part of his reforms.
He said the effort is in recognition of the importance of
reducing bureaucratic obstacles, with the aim of creating a conducive
environment for local manufacturers to thrive.
Also, Managing Director of Bond Chemical Group of Companies,
Aderemi Omotosho, urged PSN to work towards establishing a consistent and
mandatory government patronage system, similar to the insurance industry, to
encourage more investors and bridge the gap in the local manufacturing sector.
Omotosho complained about the transportation challenges
faced by the industry, including increased energy costs and occasional fuel
scarcity.
He said “Transportation has really been an issue with the
increased energy cost and occasional fuel scarcity. The organisation has
devised a means of transporting both finished goods and raw materials in one
trip of movement, thereby maximising the productivity of the vehicles and
driver.
“Local drug production should be sustained, especially for
products that we have the capacity to manufacture locally. This will, in the
long run, discourage drug importation and encourage local manufacturers.”