In an effort to boost the presence of domestic products, the Federal Government has put a restriction on the usage of foreign-made needles and syringes in tertiary hospitals nationwide.

According to a circular with reference number HMSH&SW /CMDs/MDs/FTHs/CIRCULAR/S&N/03 dated 28th March 2024, Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals must now source needles and syringes exclusively from approved local manufacturers by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Signed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, the circular also instructs NAFDAC to refrain from granting licenses for the importation of foreign-produced needles and syringes.

Titled “Use of locally manufactured needles and syringes”, the circular stated, “Following Mr. President’s directive to all sectors to promote local content and shield our manufacturing industries from foreign companies that engage in unfair trade practices, the health sector has identified local pharmaceutical companies producing needles and syringes in dire straits due to this situation.

“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 our market. Mr President has directed that this must stop.”

In addition to the directive to refrain from issuing licenses for the importation of foreign-manufactured needles and syringes, Dr Tunji Alausa also instructed NAFDAC to remove from its list any companies that participate in importing these goods in the future.

This measure aims to further prioritize and support local manufacturers in the production and supply of needles and syringes within the healthcare sector.

The circular further read, “In my virtual meeting with all of you, we all agreed to take the necessary steps to immediately remedy this sad situation.

“Under this NAFDAC has been mandated to stop issuing licences 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.

“All the tertiary hospitals are hereby directed to procure needles and syringes for your hospital needs from only the NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers listed below either directly or through any of their vendors.
EL-Salmat Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd Block, Brand Name: Salmaject, HMA Medical Ltd., with brand Name: Deleject and Afrimedical Manufacturing & Supplies Ltd.”