Mandate Pharmaceutical Companies To Produce Hepatitis Drugs Locally – Gastroenterologist Tells FG
A Consultant Gastroenterologist at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Dr Kolawole Akande has called on the Federal Government to mandate pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria to manufacture hepatitis drugs locally.
He made the call in an interview with Radio Nigeria on the observance of the World Hepatitis Day.
Dr Akande lamented that the drugs used for the treatment of hepatitis in Nigeria were still being imported which makes it difficult for many patients to afford.
The Consultant Gastroenterologist argued that though Nigeria has initiated some measures to improve on the treatment of hepatitis, it has not committed sufficient resources to the eradication of the disease.
Also, while speaking with some residents in Ibadan, they urged government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to intensify awareness on silent killer diseases like hepatitis.
World Hepatitis Day is observed every July 28 to increase awareness on hepatitis and improve actions to prevent and control the disease.
The theme of this year is “Let’s break it down”.
