DCL Laboratory Products Limited on Friday commended Nigeria’s medical regulatory bodies for enhancing standards in the health sector, curbing substandard products, and enforcing regulations effectively.
Dr. Okechukwu Anyanwu, General Manager and Chairman of DCL Laboratory, made the remarks during the organisation’s 20th anniversary celebration in Abuja. He praised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Medical and Laboratory Council of Nigeria (MLCN), noting their significant role in improving healthcare delivery.
Anyanwu recalled the state of the sector before regulatory oversight, highlighting widespread irregularities in the manufacturing and sale of medical products.
“We are not just celebrating 20 years of our laboratory; we are also celebrating 20 years of improved diagnostic standards in Nigeria. Before we entered the market, laboratory products were often stored improperly in markets like Lagos and Onitsha. Lab reagents requiring storage at 2 to 8°C were left on open shelves. Profit was prioritized over patient safety,” he said.
He added that improper storage and handling of medical products could lead to unreliable test results, endangering patients’ lives.
Anyanwu also urged the government to review import duties on medical products to make them more affordable for manufacturers and dealers. He commended initiatives supporting local pharmaceutical production, describing the policies as steps in the right direction.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, also praised DCL Laboratory for its contributions to the sector. Represented by Okpikpi Okpako, Director at the Federal Medical Centre, Salako emphasized that private-sector participation is crucial to healthcare development.
“All that DCL Laboratory has contributed in terms of quality products is commendable. We call on other private-sector companies to emulate this example. The Federal Government of Nigeria encourages them to keep the fire burning,” he said.
