The Osun State branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the Federal Government to eliminate tariffs on essential drug production commodities imported into the country. The society believes this measure is crucial to addressing the rising cost of essential medicines and encouraging local drug production.
Speaking in Osogbo on Monday, Mr. Michael Omoniyi, the chairman of the Osun PSN, made this appeal while addressing journalists about the upcoming 2024 Pharmacy Week, scheduled from September 23 to 29. The event is themed “Global Health Needs: Expanding Roles of Pharmacists in Beating Current Healthcare Challenges.”
“We appeal to the government to act and remove tariffs on essential drug production commodities. Doing so will encourage local production and bring down drug costs, making them more accessible to the public,” Omoniyi stated.
He also urged the public to disregard false information circulating on social media regarding a pharmacist allegedly involved in drug theft at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC). Omoniyi clarified that the individual involved was not a pharmacist and the incident did not occur at OAUTHC.
As part of the Pharmacy Week celebrations, the society has planned several activities, including a health walk, orphanage visit, career talk, award presentation, and religious services. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is expected to attend the opening ceremony.
Additionally, the chairman of the planning committee, Nurudeen Adebayo, cautioned Nigerians against the harmful consumption of herbal concoctions, warning that they could cause severe damage to internal organs.
