Allocate Funds For Drug Research, Expert Urges Federal Gov’t

With the Nigerian population heavily plagued by a myriad of health challenges, the Federal Government has been urged to allocate one percent of the nation’s budget for health research.

A Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry expert, Prof Olorunfemi Abraham Eseyin, who made the advocacy, tasked the federal government to devote a substantial portion of the amount to drug discovery efforts.

The don at University of Uyo (UNIUYO) stated this while delivering the 126th, in the series of inaugural lectures of the institution held at the university’s main campus, Nwaniba, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Prof Eseyin, of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, called for a holistic action plan towards addressing the malignant health challenges threatening the pollution.

He, therefore, made a case for a nationwide programme to systematically investigate and promote research on traditional medicinal plants in Nigeria.

He said, “Nigeria should allocate a minimum of one percent of its GDP to R&D, with a substantial portion earmarked for health research, especially drug discovery efforts.

“Nigerian universities should establish dedicated drug discovery centres of excellence, equipped with the latest instrumentation, such as nanotechnology labs.

“Policies should promote the growth of domestic pharmaceutical production capabilities, thereby lowering reliance on imported goods. Offer tax breaks to companies that invest in local pharmaceutical research and development.

“Establish a nationwide programme to systematically investigate and promote research on traditional medicinal plants in Nigeria. Establishing comprehensive regulations for herbal medicine and nanomedicines.

“Set up the necessary infrastructure for clinical trials: Offer facilities and financing to enable the translation of laboratory results into effective patient treatments.”

Eseyin warned against the indiscriminate use of herbal medicines without proper knowledge and the advice of qualified professionals.

He cautioned that adverse effects of herbal medicines be reported to healthcare providers and regulatory bodies, and solicited for the support of local research initiatives through awareness campaigns.