The Federal Executive Council has approved the procurement of essential drugs worth N7 billion for the treatment of malaria and control of HIV/AIDS.

This was contained in a speech by the President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua on the occasion of the 81st Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria yesterday at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

He said the government had as a deliberate policy ensured that only local pharmaceutical manufacturers were awarded the contracts.

But the chairman of the occassion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said it was no longer acceptable for the country to be importing its drugs at 48. He then challenged the PSN to ensure that it meet the pharmaceutical needs of the people.

He also urged the organisation to put a stop to its rivalry with the Nigeria Medical Association, saying it was not healthy for the country.

Yar'Ardua re-affirmed the commitment of its government to a healthy society which according to him was a prelude to development. "As you are all aware, "Vision 2020" cannot be achieved without the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders inclulding the private sector of our economy to which majority of your members belong, and without the support of strong and dynamic associations like yours. Your very important role as a major player in the health care delivery system cannot be over-emphasized".

"l wish to stress here that before the economy of any nation can enjoy a major boost, the health of the citizenry must be ensured and enhanced.

This is corroborated by the popular saying 'Health is wealth'. "Your knowledge and expertise on drug administration which is a critical component of health care delivery service comes handy in improving the health controllers of the use of drugs demands that you ensure that only essential medicines that are safe , potent and affordable are administered on patients", he said.

Source: THISDAY (Nigeria)