The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Chapter, Mr Abdulmalik Baba, has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving tax waivers for the pharmaceutical sector.
Baba made this known during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday, stating that the policy would significantly reduce medicine costs nationwide and ease the burden on consumers.
He noted that the two-year tax relief for pharmaceutical firms would lower production and importation costs, especially amid high foreign exchange rates.
“Importation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients is very expensive, and exchange rates have driven up drug costs. With this waiver, we expect a drastic price reduction,” he said.
Baba described the policy as timely, saying it would improve access to essential medicines for Nigerians across the country.
He also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his health sector reforms, particularly the improved welfare packages for healthcare workers in the state.
“The governor ensured pharmacists in the civil service are paid in line with their federal counterparts through the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
“This move has boosted morale and helped retain skilled professionals despite the rising ‘Japa’ trend,” he said.
Baba added that better remuneration had reduced the impact of the ‘Japa’ syndrome in the sector.
On inter-professional relations, he said pharmacists in Kwara enjoy cordial relationships with doctors, unlike tensions reported in other parts of the country.
“Our relationship with doctors in Kwara is smooth. We collaborate on programmes and support one another professionally,” he said.
