The Healthcare Equipment and Allied Products Providers of Nigeria have commended President Bola Tinubu for signing an executive order aimed at boosting local production of medical and healthcare products. The order, announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, in June, introduces zero tariffs, excise duties, and Value Added Tax on specified machinery, equipment, and raw materials to reduce production costs and enhance competitiveness.
The equipment providers, in a press statement, praised the move as a crucial step towards unlocking the healthcare value chain. They also urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to consider reducing the cost of Good Manufacturing Practices certificates for medical devices.
The executive order is part of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, approved by President Tinubu in October 2023. It aims to increase local production of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and devices, and promote market-shaping mechanisms to encourage local manufacturers.
