The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Kano State Branch, has intensified engagement with key government institutions to address challenges affecting pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthen collaboration on sector development.
The Executive Committee of the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), Kano State Branch, led by its Chairman, Pharm. Gershon Dashe, has undertaken courtesy visits to the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) and the Kano State Ministry of Health as part of efforts to deepen institutional collaboration and advance pharmaceutical sector reforms in the state.
During the engagements, the NAIP delegation highlighted the association's achievements and challenges in Kano, while calling for stronger partnerships with relevant government institutions on issues affecting industrial pharmacists and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
DMCSA Outlines Plans for Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
At the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, the Director-General, Pharm. Ghali Sule, outlined some of the agency's strategic plans, including the commencement of local pharmaceutical manufacturing and the production of external and liquid pharmaceutical preparations.
The development further strengthens the relationship between DMCSA and the industrial pharmacy community, with Pharm. Sule noting that the agency has now become a member of NAIP, creating an avenue for closer collaboration between both institutions.
The DG also disclosed that DMCSA would provide limited opportunities for Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) placements, following approval by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). He further expressed the agency's readiness to support the forthcoming NAIP Annual Cup.
NAIP Raises Concerns Over Pharmaceutical Enforcement
At the Kano State Ministry of Health, the NAIP delegation raised concerns regarding the activities of some task forces in the state, particularly alleged interference in the operations of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
The association called for continued engagement between government authorities and pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to ensure that enforcement activities are carried out within the appropriate legal and regulatory framework.
NAIP also sought further engagement and partnership with the Ministry in relation to its proposed Annual Cup initiative, which is aimed at promoting interaction, networking, and professional collaboration within the pharmaceutical community.
Ministry Assures NAIP of Continued Engagement
Responding to the concerns raised, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. Kamilu Mudi, commended NAIP for recognizing the efforts of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, particularly the association's decision to honour the Governor during the commissioning of the pharma-grade warehouse last month.
Pharm. Mudi also clarified the legal framework governing the State Drug Taskforce and acknowledged the enforcement challenges affecting pharmaceutical stakeholders in Kano. He assured the delegation of continued engagement with the Ministry of Health and the Honourable Commissioner for Health towards addressing the concerns raised by the association.
He further commended the NAIP Annual Cup initiative and expressed the Ministry's willingness to partner with the NAIP Academy whenever the need arises.
Strengthening Pharmaceutical Sector Collaboration
The engagements reflect NAIP Kano's growing efforts to establish stronger working relationships with government institutions while advocating for an enabling environment for pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial pharmacy practice.
With commitments from DMCSA and the Ministry of Health, the engagements are expected to provide a platform for continued dialogue on local pharmaceutical production, regulatory enforcement, professional training, SIWES placements, and broader development of the pharmaceutical sector in Kano State.
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