– Gives excellence award to Swipha, Drugfield
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) recently hosted top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and chief executive officers (CEOs) of pharmaceutical companies at a consultative forum.
This follows its decision to tackle the challenges surrounding the implementation of the amended Import Guidelines and the new National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
In his welcome remarks at the event held at New China Restaurant, Opic Plaza, Ikeja, Lagos, Pharm. (Chief) BunmiOlaopa, chairman, PMG-MAN said that the decision of the group to organise the “ Special CEOs Forum” was to create the platform for consultation and networking among CEOs in order to move the country and the industry forward.
He explained that the new importation guidelines now vested processing of all import transactions to Nigeria in accordance with the amended Import Guidelines of the Destination Inspection Scheme of the Nigeria Customs Service, adding that PMG-MAN decided to invite top officials of the customs service to the forum to discuss pertinent issues relating to the guidelines.
The PMG-MAN boss also noted that there had been questions in the minds of stakeholders as the date for the implementation of the new National Drug Distribution Guidelines draws near, adding that the quest to help supply answers to some of the questions prompted PMG-MAN to bring Dr.LoluOjo, the PSN focal person on drug distribution to the occasion.
Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, MrsBankeAdeyemo, who led a team of top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service to the event, in her remarks, commended the PMG-MAN for organising the event and for inviting the customs service to be a part of it.
She said that the Nigeria Customs Service is always ready to be part of discussions on how to facilitate international trade.
She also noted that the present reforms of the service was not only to generate funds for the government but to equally protect public health and ensure the security of the nation, adding that contrary to the impression of many Nigerians, the Nigeria Customs Service reform was to make the agency more effective in facilitating trade and not to jeopardise business efforts.
She pledged the commitment of her organisation to a productive partnership with PMG-MAN members.
While also speaking at the occasion, Dr.LoluOjo urged all the CEOs present to support the implementation of the new National Drug Distribution Guidelines, noting that even though there were challenges, they were not insurmountable.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Manufacturing Excellence Award to Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (Swipha) and Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Swipha bagged the PMG-MAN award for being the first pharmaceutical manufacturer in Nigeria and the entire West African region to comply with WHO’s guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practice. Deputy Managing Director of Swipha, Pharm AbassSambo received the award on behalf of the company.
Drugfield bagged the PMG-MAN award for being the first company in Africa to develop and receive regulatory approval for ChlorhexidineDigluconate 7.1% Gel, a critical product for cord care and one of the United Nation Commission’s life-saving commodities for women and children.
