May 04, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes into the country.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa issued the directive in a circular addressed to all CMDs and MDs of Federal Teaching Hospitals of Tertiary institutions.
The circular mandated the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) l to procure needles and syringes solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.
The Minister said the directive was aimed at boosting domestic production and shielding the country’s manufacturing sector from the influx of foreign goods.
“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.
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