Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges stemming from heavy reliance on imports for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, leading to increased costs and reduced access. Mary Ogangwu of Codix Pharma emphasizes the need for governmental policies to achieve local manufacturing goals. Despite hurdles, there is optimism for improvements in 2025, supported by Codix’s commitment to innovation and localization of healthcare solutions.
Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces significant challenges due to its reliance on imported pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, leading to heightened costs and decreased accessibility for patients. Mary Ogangwu, Chief Operating Officer of Codix Pharma Limited, asserts that effective policies and government initiatives are essential to achieving local healthcare manufacturing goals—aiming for 70% local production of medicines and 30% of medical devices.
The healthcare industry’s performance in 2024 was constrained by economic difficulties, including rising inflation and currency depreciation, which exacerbated the costs of both pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. This reliance on imports has diminished access to necessary healthcare services for many Nigerians, alongside supply chain disruptions that resulted in shortages of key healthcare products.
Ogangwu notes that recent governmental efforts have been directed toward improving domestic healthcare manufacturing through regulatory and investment incentives. Nevertheless, the withdrawal of USAID funding has raised concerns regarding the sustainability of healthcare programs, highlighting the adverse effects of overdependence on aid in the sector.
As the year 2025 begins, optimistic expectations remain regarding policy measures aimed at enhancing local manufacturing capabilities. Codix Pharma remains committed to delivering innovative, technology-enabled healthcare solutions while also expanding its market presence beyond Nigeria into the broader African continent.
Since its inception in 2008, Codix Pharma has evolved considerably, marking its presence in diabetes care and diagnostics. The company has developed a substantial portfolio, including over 70 NAFDAC-registered products. Codix’s establishment of the Colexa Biosensor factory signifies a major step in local manufacturing, enabling the production of blood glucose meters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The company’s strategy reflects a commitment to reducing dependence on international supply chains while fostering local solutions tailored to African healthcare needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vulnerabilities of an import-reliant healthcare system were highlighted, prompting initiatives aimed at enhancing local production capabilities across the continent.
Codix Pharma’s healthcare solutions have notably improved patient outcomes, validated through partnerships with healthcare providers and regulatory bodies. The company remains committed to innovation, focusing on addressing the specific healthcare needs in Nigeria while actively collaborating with various stakeholders across the healthcare sector to facilitate meaningful progress.
Despite the challenges presented by high-interest rates and inadequate healthcare funding in Nigeria, Codix Pharma remains hopeful about the future, anticipating that increased government commitment to healthcare will pave the way for a more resilient system. In the next five years, Codix aims to emerge as the leading African health tech company, solidifying its role in addressing healthcare challenges both in Nigeria and across Africa.
In summary, the outlook for Nigeria’s healthcare landscape hinges on robust policy measures aimed at enhancing local manufacturing capabilities. Codix Pharma’s commitment to innovation and local production is crucial to reducing reliance on imports, driving economic benefits, and improving healthcare access. As the government intensifies its efforts, the future of healthcare in Nigeria holds promise for increased self-sufficiency and resilience.
Original Source: businessday.ng
