Kothari: Local Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals Will Boost Nigeria’s Healthcare System

Bennett Oghifo

The healthcare system in Nigeria will receive a boost with the local manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director of Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited, Aakash Kothari, when officials from the Federal Ministry of Health visited its plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, recently.

According to Kathari, the project commenced in 2020 with a construction area of 120,000 square feet with a manufacturing area of 65,000 square feet.

On the new plant’s delivery capacity, Kathari said: “The company per day production capacity in tablets is 9.5 million; capsule; two million, dry powder/sachets; 200,000, cream/ointment; 172,000 and tubes with liquid of 172,000 bottles.”

Speaking on the visit to the company, the Director, Food and Drugs Services, Olubunmi Aribeana, said: “We are here to collaborate with Sagar Vitaceuticals on local manufacturing. We are from the Ministry of Health and, as a government body, we seek to focus on, at least, 70 per cent production of locally manufactured products of what Nigerians need for their healthcare.

 “We have seen the new factory, having gone through the various departments. We are highly satisfied with what we have seen. Based on that, we can assure Nigerians of quality medicine coming from the company.”

In his remarks, the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, hailed Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited for its quality services and facilities. “We commend the company for its efforts so far to ensure local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in the country. We have gone round, we have seen the level of equipment, hygiene, facilities, the level of commitment and dedication from staff to the manufacturing of drugs and we are highly satisfied.”

Also speaking, the Coordinator, National Cancer Control and Nuclear Medicine Programme, Dr. Nwokwu Uchechukwu, urged the company to liaise with foreign counterparts to locally produce cancer drugs in the country, stating “This will aid reduction in the cost of cancer treatment and medication.”

Kathari while thanking the officials for the visit, said: “Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited is open to collaboration and partnership with relevant agencies and companies within and outside the country to boost local production of drugs.”