The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has pledged its readiness to work closely with researchers in the pharmaceutical sector to provide quality and affordable healthcare to Nigerians.
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Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, ACCI President, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chairman, Governing, Board of the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr John Alfa.
Kayode was quoted in a statement signed by Mr Lubem Gena, ACCI Media and Strategy Officer, as saying that the chamber had a vibrant Health Trade Group and was interested in motivating investors to patronise results of research to transform such into medical products.
Kayode, represented by Mr Olawale Rasheed, ACCI Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC), Coordinator, said that driving private investment to transform research outcome into products had become necessary in other to give government the backing it deserved.
He said it would equally come to the aid of those in need of basic drugs, supplements, reagents, equipment and supplies.
“I want to deeply appreciate you for recognising the role this chamber is playing in facilitating businesses across all sectors including health.
“As a grade A chamber of commerce, we are deeply committed to the task of helping businesses to grow and connecting them with global opportunities.
“Your institute is very critical to the growth and development of healthcare in Nigeria. We are proud of the work you did in developing the sickle cell drug which will soon be commercialised.
“I am aware that, several organisations have approached us to link them with opportunities which they will leverage on to bring about some specialised services to the country,” he said.
The ACCI boss explained that it was mobilising stakeholders in the health sector to participate in the Africa Sante Expo scheduled to hold in Cote D’Ivoire from April 1 to April 4.
This, he said, would be a global gathering where major players and stakeholders would deliberate on health challenges of the continent, proffer solutions and generate the needed synergy to combat them.
“Just last week we received a renowned Cardiovascular Surgeon, who is also interested in working closely with the Nigerian institutions and major players to work on specific projects.
“These are the conspicuous ways we are helping the government and also adding value to the overall growth of the national economy,” Kayode said.
Earlier, Alfa pointed out that there was every need to use the chamber as veritable platform to attract partners to the activities of the institute and use same as a networking platform.
He reiterated the commitment of the institute in carrying out its core mandate, which was to research into and develop pharmaceutical products that would take care of ailments.
He also said, research funding was a huge task that must carry all stakeholders along just as herbal medicine was also given considerable priority in its scheme of affairs.
Alfa also made a passionate case for the chamber to help in creating awareness that would lead to investment in pharmaceutical research as well as unlock the opportunities inherent in industry.
It was also agreed that an expanded meeting of the two organisations will take place in the coming weeks during which possibility of signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be explored.