Enhancing Local Healthcare Manufacturing in Nigeria: Insights from Codix Pharma

Nigeria’s healthcare system struggles with high import reliance, exacerbating costs and limiting access. Mary Ogangwu of Codix Pharma advocates for effective policies to enhance local production, responding to economic challenges in 2024. Codix plans to increase local manufacturing capabilities while addressing financing and infrastructure issues to improve healthcare delivery across Nigeria and Africa.

Nigeria currently faces significant challenges in its healthcare sector, heavily reliant on imported pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. This reliance exacerbates healthcare costs, limiting access for many Nigerians. Mary Ogangwu, Chief Operating Officer of Codix Pharma Limited, emphasizes the urgent need for effective policies and government initiatives to realize the goal of 70% local medicine manufacturing and 30% production of medical devices.

The economic struggles in Nigeria, including inflation and currency depreciation, are affecting the healthcare industry. These challenges have led to increased prices for imported medical products, further constraining access to healthcare services. The disruption extends to the supply chain, impacting many pharmaceutical companies and resulting in shortages of essential medications.

Despite these obstacles, the Nigerian government’s proactive steps in 2024 to enhance domestic healthcare manufacturing, supported by regulatory changes and investment initiatives, show promise. However, the withdrawal of USAID funding poses new challenges, raising concerns about dependence on external aid and its implications for sustaining healthcare progress.

Codix Pharma, operational since 2008, has carved a niche in innovative healthcare solutions. The company pioneered HbA1c testing in Nigeria, making significant strides in diabetes management while registering over 70 products with NAFDAC. The firm is poised to further contribute to the local manufacturing landscape with its new blood glucose manufacturing facility, the first in Sub-Saharan Africa, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing healthcare availability.

Plans for expanding local operations reflect Codix’s commitment to local manufacturing. The firm’s establishment of the Colexa Biosensor factory symbolizes a decisive shift towards self-sufficiency, aligning with the WHO’s initiative for local healthcare production. This move aims to address past difficulties in securing healthcare supplies during crises and paves the way for future innovations in African healthcare.

Codix has consistently introduced cutting-edge healthcare solutions to the Nigerian market, aiding in simplifying diagnosis and treatment. As a proactive industry player, the company collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partners, to promote the localisation of healthcare products.

Challenges persist in Nigeria’s healthcare terrain, particularly in securing affordable financing and outdated infrastructure, which drive up operational costs. Moreover, insufficient government healthcare expenditure significantly curtails industry growth, underlining the necessity for increased public investment in health services.

Looking ahead, Codix aims to become a leading African health tech company by 2030. Their strategic focus on localising manufacturing operations positions them as a key player not only in Nigeria but across the African continent, facilitating broader access to quality healthcare solutions.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces pressing challenges due to its heavy reliance on imported medical products. However, the proactive actions of companies like Codix Pharma, along with government initiatives, demonstrate a commitment to advancing local manufacturing capabilities. Increased collaboration and investment are crucial for achieving the targets set forth for local production, ultimately enhancing healthcare access for all Nigerians while contributing to regional health stability.

Original Source: businessday.ng