The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have announced a strengthened partnership to ensure every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medicines.
The collaboration was solidified during a strategic visit by the Director-General of the NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, to the NAFDAC Headquarters in Abuja. This move aligns with the Federal Government’s overarching goal to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and modernize the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
A Unified Front Against Counterfeit Drugs
A central pillar of this renewed alliance is the integration of strict regulatory oversight into the procurement of medicines for healthcare facilities. To safeguard public health, both agencies, alongside the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), are intensifying efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit and expired medicines, enforce strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms nationwide.
By harmonizing these processes, the agencies aim to create a closed-loop system where only certified medical products reach the end consumer, significantly reducing the risks associated with substandard drugs.
Commitment to Patient Welfare
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the agency is prioritizing inter-agency synergy to eliminate bottlenecks in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
“Our commitment is unwavering in strengthening partnerships that ensure Nigerians have access to safe, effective, and high-quality medicines,” Prof. Adeyeye stated. “By working closely with the NHIA, we are not just regulating; we are actively improving the health outcomes of our citizens.”
The engagement also served as a platform to review existing collaboration frameworks and ongoing reforms. These initiatives are specifically designed to reduce the financial burden on patients and advance critical national health targets.
Share this
