The chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kwara chapter, Abdulmalik Baba, has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving tax waivers for the sector.

Mr Baba said during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday that the policy would significantly reduce medicine costs nationwide and ease pressure on consumers.

He noted that the two-year tax relief for pharmaceutical firms would lower production and importation costs amid 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,” Mr Baba said.

He described the policy as timely, saying it would improve access to essential medicines for Nigerians nationwide.

Mr Baba also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for health sector reforms, particularly the improved welfare for healthcare workers in Kwara.

“The governor ensured pharmacists in the civil service are paid in line with federal counterparts through the Consolidated Health Salary Structure. This move has boosted morale and helped retain skilled professionals despite rising emigration,” he said.

He added that better remuneration had reduced the impact of the ‘Japa’ trend within the sector.

On interprofessional relations, Mr Baba said that pharmacists in Kwara enjoy cordial relationships with doctors, unlike the tensions reported elsewhere.

“Our relationship with doctors in Kwara is smooth. We collaborate on programmes and support one another professionally,” he said. 

(NAN)