The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kwara Chapter, Mr Abdulmalik Baba, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving tax waivers for the pharmaceutical sector.
Baba, who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday, said the policy would significantly reduce the cost of medicines across the country and ease financial pressure on consumers.
He explained that the two-year tax relief granted to pharmaceutical firms would lower both production and importation costs, particularly in the face of 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.
The PSN chairman described the intervention as timely, noting that it would enhance access to essential medicines for Nigerians.
He also lauded Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for reforms in the health sector, especially efforts to improve the welfare of healthcare workers.
According to him, the state government ensured that pharmacists in the civil service are remunerated in line with their federal counterparts through the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
“This move has boosted morale and helped retain skilled professionals despite rising emigration,” Baba said, adding that improved remuneration had reduced the impact of the ‘Japa’ trend within the sector.
On inter-professional relations, he noted that pharmacists in Kwara maintain cordial working relationships with medical doctors, unlike tensions reported in some other parts of the country.
“Our relationship with doctors in Kwara is smooth. We collaborate on programmes and support one another professionally,” he said.
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