Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector: The Need for Localized Manufacturing Solutions
The article discusses the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly its reliance on imports, which raises costs and limits access. Mary Ogangwu of Codix Pharma emphasizes the need for robust policies to boost local manufacturing. The company plans to establish local manufacturing capabilities, contributing to increased self-reliance in healthcare and innovative solutions for African markets.
Nigeria’s healthcare system is heavily reliant on imported pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, which inflates healthcare costs and limits access for patients. Mary Ogangwu, Chief Operating Officer of Codix Pharma Limited, emphasizes the importance of deliberate policy measures and government initiatives to achieve targets of 70% local manufacturing for medicines and 30% for medical devices. She shares insights on the current state and future expectations for the healthcare industry in Nigeria.
The economic climate of 2024 posed significant challenges due to inflation and currency depreciation, which escalated the costs of healthcare items. Disruptions in the supply chain exacerbated these issues, leading to shortages as many companies struggled with foreign exchange needs. The departure of certain pharmaceutical firms in 2023 exacerbated health inequalities, leaving patients in dire need of essential medications.
Conversely, 2024 witnessed efforts by the Nigerian government to expand domestic healthcare manufacturing through strategic regulatory changes and investment initiatives. However, the withdrawal of USAID funding in 2025 presents additional challenges, raising concerns about the reliance on external aid versus the importance of bolstering local production capabilities.
Codix Pharma has emerged as an innovator in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape since its inception in 2008, focusing on diabetes care and developing a wide array of health solutions. With over 70 products registered and key partnerships established, the company has committed to local manufacturing initiatives that not only meet Nigerian needs but also position it as a key player on the African continent.
The company is forward-looking, with plans to open a new factory aimed at enhancing local healthcare manufacturing. Such initiatives are designed to foster self-reliance and reduce dependence on imports, thus presenting opportunities to custom-tailor healthcare solutions for local and regional needs. The establishment of a blood glucose manufacturing facility, as part of their localization strategy, marks a significant milestone in manufacturing capabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Codix has positively impacted healthcare outcomes by providing validated, cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Their approach includes active participation in the development of national healthcare guidelines and fostering collaborative relationships throughout the industry to ensure progress.
Despite the numerous challenges, including difficulties in obtaining financing and insufficient government funding in healthcare, Codix remains optimistic about the future. They are dedicated to enhancing local production capabilities and establishing significant contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare framework.
In the next five years, Codix aims to evolve into a leading African health tech company, further advancing their localization efforts and market outreach to serve the broader African healthcare space.
In conclusion, the Nigerian healthcare system faces significant challenges primarily due to its dependence on imports, which increases costs and limits access. However, initiatives by Codix Pharma and similar companies aim to foster local production and innovation in healthcare. By establishing local manufacturing capabilities and pursuing collaborative partnerships, Nigeria can enhance its healthcare landscape and reduce reliance on foreign aid. Through focused policy measures and strategic investments, there is potential for transformative changes in the healthcare industry by 2025 and beyond.
Original Source: businessday.ng
