By Iyemah David
The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has called for Nigerian Government’s support in boosting local manufacturing of orthodox medicine to address health emergencies.
The Coordinator of AHBN, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, made the call in an interview with Health Reporters on Monday in Abuja.
He said that adequate support for orthodox medicine manufacturing companies in Nigeria would have huge benefits.
According to him, a key requirement for the companies to thrive is for the government to provide adequate capital resources to support their growth.
He urged that the government should take proactive steps to boost the capital resources to improve healthcare access for the population.
Dr Magashi said that the government played a critical role in supporting the growth of the healthcare sector and ensuring that essential medical supplies would be produced locally.
The coordinator added that the success of local manufacturing companies was crucial for addressing healthcare emergencies and enhancing the overall health system.
He described the ‘Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain’ initiative of the Federal Government as a good step toward addressing healthcare emergencies.
“This initiative aims to streamline processes, improve coordination among stakeholders, and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare sector to address emergencies effectively.
“By prioritising the development of local manufacturing companies for orthodox medicine and providing the necessary capital resources, the government can make significant strides in strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
“The success of these efforts will be crucial in addressing health emergencies and building a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system in the country,” he said.
The Federal Government recently launched ‘Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain’ initiative in an effort to address health emergencies.
The initiative aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health sector by streamlining processes and improving coordination among stakeholders.
The initiative will focus on improving access to healthcare services, strengthening the healthcare system, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers.
By identifying and addressing bottlenecks in the value chain, the government hopes to improve the overall quality of healthcare and ensure that residents receive timely care.