Nigeria’s healthcare system suffers from a high dependency on imports, leading to increased costs and access issues. Mary Ogangwu of Codix Pharma highlights the need for government policies to boost local production. Despite economic challenges, there are efforts to expand domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on aid. Codix Pharma is innovating in local healthcare solutions while promoting health accessibility. The future necessitates strategic collaborations and government prioritization of healthcare funding.
Nigeria’s healthcare sector is facing significant challenges, largely due to its reliance on imported pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. This import dependency increases costs for healthcare providers and patients alike, thereby diminishing accessibility to healthcare services. Mary Ogangwu, COO of Codix Pharma Limited, emphasizes that effective policy measures and government-led initiatives are vital to achieving targets of 70% local medicine manufacturing and 30% device manufacturing.
The economic climate in 2024 was particularly tough for Nigeria’s healthcare industry, with rising inflation and the depreciation of the Naira causing significant increases in the costs of imported healthcare products. These economic difficulties have disrupted supply chains due to low domestic manufacturing capabilities, leading to shortages in essential medications and widening health inequalities. Ogangwu notes the impact of pharmaceutical companies exiting Nigeria in 2023, dramatically affecting patient access to medications.
Despite these struggles, 2024 saw the Nigerian government actively pursue the growth of domestic healthcare manufacturing through new regulatory strategies and investment initiatives. However, the withdrawal of USAID funding in 2025 poses a significant challenge as the loss of aid raises concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system’s reliance on international support. Ogangwu remains optimistic that 2025 will bring transformative advancements in local manufacturing.
Codix Pharma has established itself as a key player in providing innovative, locally accessible healthcare solutions. Since its inception in 2008, Codix has introduced technologies like HbA1c testing in Nigeria, revolutionizing diabetes management. Its portfolio has grown significantly, now featuring over 70 registered products, including diabetes and cardiometabolic care devices, as well as wellness products aimed at enhancing health and longevity.
The decision to open a new factory was driven by Codix’s commitment to local manufacturing and self-reliance in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The local manufacturing industry will foster economic growth by minimizing import reliance and creating customized healthcare solutions for African needs. Codix’s Colexa Biosensor factory, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, aims to meet local demand for blood glucose monitors and strips.
Codix has established partnerships with agencies and organizations to innovate and enhance healthcare availability in Nigeria. Challenges remain, particularly regarding access to financing and inadequate infrastructure, which inflate operational costs and limit market growth. Ogangwu urges the government to prioritize healthcare funding to build a more resilient healthcare system for the future.
Looking forward over the next five years, Codix aims to be a leading health tech company in Africa by continuing its backward integration initiatives and partnerships to manufacture healthcare solutions locally. The company’s strategic direction is geared towards serving not only Nigeria but also the broader African market, enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality in the region.
The Nigerian healthcare sector is facing critical challenges related to import dependency and economic instability, which hinder accessibility to essential medical resources. However, initiatives aimed at localizing healthcare manufacturing and effective policy changes offer potential pathways for improvement. With active plans for local manufacturing and partnerships to enhance capabilities, Codix Pharma exemplifies the commitment needed for a resilient healthcare ecosystem. The future hinges on collaborative efforts to prioritize healthcare investment and build self-reliance to address persistent challenges.
Original Source: businessday.ng
