NMA raises concern over the exit of pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria

Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has expressed concern over the exit of pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria, saying this has resulted in drug shortages in the country.

The newly elected NMA Chairman, Prof. Bala Audu, said this in Abuja on Wednesday during a media conference to mark the end of the 64th Annual General Conference/Delegates Meeting held in Cross River recently.

NAN reports that Audu said the exit of major pharmaceutical companies caused a geometric increase in the prices of drugs and job losses, adding that the exodus had raised serious concerns about the future of access to essential medicines by Nigerians.

He appealed to the government to take urgent actions to mitigate the impact of the exit of the companies by creating a friendly business environment, as well as making adequate investments in domestic pharmaceutical and other companies.

He also said the conference reviewed the level of progress made in clearing the backlog of salary arrears, implementation of the new hazard allowance, as well as the implementation of the revised Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) of medical doctors and other health workers.

Bala said the conference also noted the level of progress made by governors in clearing the backlog of unpaid salaries and improving the wages of doctors and other health workers in their states.

He added that the conference noted the increasing number of quacks apprehended over the past few months, adding that “quackery had brought untold hardships to many Nigerians in terms of attendant complications with deadly outcomes.”