Federal Government Launches Phytomedicine Commercialisation Drive
The Federal Government has initiated a ministerial committee with the aim of developing a strategic plan for commercializing phytomedicine products in Nigeria. This is in line with an overall objective of harmonizing conventional and orthodox medical practices towards improved healthcare delivery.
A Bid to Harness Nigeria's Rich Medicinal Biodiversity
In a speech during the Abuja launch, Dr. Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, talked of the rich biodiversity and disease treatment traditions of Nigeria using medicinal plants. But he grumbled that such an abundance of natural health resources is underdeveloped and underutilized within healthcare and economic systems.
Commitment to Health and Economic Development
Dr. Salako re-emphasized the commitment of the government to achieving Universal Health Coverage, diversification of the economy, and wealth creation. He referred to the Phytomedicine Value Chain Initiative as a well-thought-out policy program aimed at addressing health and socio-economic issues at the same time.
"The inauguration of this committee is a landmark in re-designing Nigeria's healthcare system and leveraging our rich phytomedicinal endowments for economic development," Salako added.
Job Creation and Global Market Integration
The project is expected to provide job opportunities in plant conservation, plant cultivation, harvesting, and industrial processing of herbal products. It also aims at making Nigeria a force to reckon with in the global market for herbal medicine, contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's GDP.
Major Duties of the Committee
The committee has a number of strategic functions assigned to it, including:
- Identification of phytomedicinal products with strong commercial viability.
- Developing a product research roadmap, standardization, and market preparedness.
- Facilitating partnerships among traditional medicine practitioners, research organizations, and the private sector.
- Proposing regulatory reforms to facilitate a business-friendly phytomedicine climate.
- Guaranteeing international compliance with safety and quality regulations, including WHO.
- Increasing capacity building and cross-sectoral knowledge transfer.
- Pursuing sustainable funding opportunities such as grants, venture capital, and international collaboration.
Expert Leadership and Stakeholder Collaboration
Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), assumed the role of committee chairman. Dr. Adigwe undertook to work in conjunction with all stakeholders toward ensuring the production and manufacture of high-quality, safe, and affordable herbal drugs in Nigeria.
"The project presents a globally accepted model of sustainable development and will enhance the delivery of health care in Nigeria as a stimulant to economic growth," Adigwe stated.
Inclusive and Diverse Committee Representation
The committee consists of representatives from the most essential government institutions, the private sector, global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), and practitioners of traditional medicine. This blend is meant to encourage inclusive discussion and ensure multidimensional development across the phytomedicine value chain.