Poised to reduce transmission of infections through the use of unsafe and poorly produced syringes, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing (JSM) company, has scaled up it industrial operations through the attainment of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification in compliance with industrial quality and management requirement.
Although JSM commenced manufacturing of single-use hypodermic and sterile disposable syringes just four years ago, but it’s commitment to the provision of quality assured disposable syringes has enhanced its achievement of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 International Standards.
Pharmanewsonline reports that the ISO certification places JSM in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s mandate for manufacturers to expand production of safe injection devices as soon as possible while maintaining sufficient production of single-use disposable syringes.
The apex health organisation in one of its studies found that unsafe injections are responsible for as many as 33,800 HIV infections, 1.7 million hepatitis B infections and 315,000 hepatitis C infections annually. It maintained that both patients and health workers are vulnerable to needle injury, if safe syringes are not provided.
Speaking at the official presentation of the ISO Certificate to JSM in Onna, Akwa Ibom State, at the weekend, the Managing Director of the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB), Mr Olumicle Ajibawo said the international body was satisfied with the management and quality of products from the company.
While highlighting the gains of the feat to the company, he commended the board of directors, management and staff of JSM for their commitment to achieve compliance with the international standard through their Management System Certification Services.
“By achieving the ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certification, the company will benefit from the opportunity of improving efficiency and customer relationships, team’s cohesion, and cost containment.
“By holding a PECB certificate, you will demonstrate that you have the necessary capabilities to improve overall businesses performance, and shield yourself and your organisation against persistent, changing and undefined threats in a moderately challenging environment over a short period of time”, Ajibawo stated.
In his acceptance remarks, Managing Director, JSM, Mr Akin Oyediran, expressed his delight in the accomplishment noting that his quest for success has brought the achievement recorded so far, as the company was instrumental to the provision of syringes across the country, during the onset of the pandemic, when China shut it borders against exportation of medical devices.
The JSM boss also appreciated his staff members for their immense contributions to the attainment of the ISO Certification, saying that without their continuous hard work in pursuance of the target, the realisation of the international recognition would not have been possible.
Oyediran explained that the ISO certification now confers the status of an international competitor on the company, while they would continue to work harder and better to be so recognised at the international market.
He said they are not resting on their oars as their next step is to secure permission to export their products to Europe, while seeking the support of the Federal Government in making quality syringes accessible to Nigerians.
“At the onset of the Coronavirus Disease outbreak in Nigeria, the first thing China did was to ban exportation of medical devices out of China. Imagine if we were not here, there would have been shortage of syringes across the country. Presently, we supply 400 million syringes annually, in 2ml, 5ml, and 10 ml dimensions.
“So we feel that the government should take steps to ensure that Nigerians have access to good quality sterilised syringes” he maintained.
Congratulating JSM on the milestone, the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, assured the company of the Ministry’s support, saying they would be ready to partner with the company towards the actualisation of the industrialisation policy of the government.
“As you continue to break new grounds and set standards in the area of medical services industrialisation, revenue generation and employment generation, may you sustain this tempo and remain a value partner”, he prayed.
Pharmanewsonline can say that the JSM international recognition came at a time when the Nigerian Senate is beaming a searchlight on syringes production in the country, noting that majority of imported syringes from Asian countries are already used, which if use in Nigeria has the capacity to expose the nation to the dangers of blood-borne diseases.
According to Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, the sponsor of the motion, investment in the manufacturing of syringes and needles is estimated to be about N64 billion with a potential market value of about N100 billion, which could be created locally, engaging about 3,000 Nigerians directly.
He added: “Certified and approved local manufacturers of syringe and needles in Nigeria by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) have the capacity to produce 1.6 billion units per annum”.
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