Nigerian Govt Bans Use Of Imported Syringes, Needles In Tertiary Hospitals

The Federal Government has mandated all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to exclusively purchase needles and syringes from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.

The directive, outlined in a circular signed by the Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa on Friday in Abuja.

It was designed to enhance domestic production and protect the country’s manufacturing sector from the inundation of foreign products.

The circular also mandated NAFDAC to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes.

Alausa explained that the health sector had identified local pharmaceutical industries that produce needles and syringes that were in serious trouble because of the practice.

He also noted that out of the nine local pharmaceutical companies that produced needles and syringes eight years ago, six have folded up due to the dumping of largely substandard goods into the market.

“Mr President has directed that this must stop. We all agreed to take the necessary steps to immediately remedy this sad situation.

“Pursuant to this, NAFDAC has been mandated to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes.

“It is also to de-list companies involved in the importation of these products going forward,” he said.