Date: 2017-01-04

The President of the National Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians of Nigeria, Mr. Balogun Adetola, has called on the Federal Government to encourage indigenous production of drugs.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the National Executive Council of the association on Saturday in Ilorin, capital of Kwara State, Adetola said that it was a sad development that many drugs used in the country were imported, adding that the trend should be reversed.

He urged the FG to encourage indigenous manufacturers by reducing import duties on raw materials used to produce drugs.

According to him, a reduction in import duties on such goods will lead to a reduced cost for patients.

Adetola also urged the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, to see to the establishment of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians Board of Nigeria. He stated that a draft bill of 2012 to that effect had already been sent to the Health Ministry by Federal Ministry of Justice.

He stated that the union believed and commended FG's efforts in the fight against corruption and impunity, but added that the national economic policies should be reviewed to accommodate the current inflationary trend with the associated challenges.

He said, "Federal, state and local governments should, as a matter of urgency, see to the payment of salaries owed to workers throughout the country to make life more meaningful to them.