Partnerships key to pharmaceutical sector development — DG, NIPRD

By Racheal Oyelola

The Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe, has described partnerships with key stakeholders in healthcare as a solution for the sector’s development in Nigeria.

Adigwe said this while responding to questions from journalists on recently developed strategies on improving pharmaceuticals production in Nigeria.

The plan, according to Adigwe, is part of the efforts of NIPRD at building a Centre of Excellence for Research and Development (R&D) of phytomedicines, pharmaceuticals and biological products for the country.

He revealed that, “In the three years, NIPRD has partnered with governments and agencies across the world, including India, USA, South Africa, UK, Russia, Cuba, Ghana and Canada. That is why we have experienced tremendous growth in drug research.

“The strategic plan will enable us to remain focused on our key mandate to improve the health status of Nigerians through quality research and development in the area of phytomedicines and other pharmaceutical products.”

He explained that the strategic plan was developed through a bottom-up approach, followed by various relevant institutional and stakeholders’ consultations and engagements.

He informed that a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan for the tracking, analysis, collation, storage and reporting on the implementation updates of the plan for decision making was also developed alongside relevant stakeholders.

The NIPRD Director-General further disclosed that the plan aligns with the vision of the second National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP II 2021 -2025) and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2021-2025) of the Federal Government of Nigeria.