The President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode has pledged the chamber’s readiness to work closely with researchers in the pharmaceutical sector as a deliberate effort to bring quality and affordable healthcare delivery closer to the people.
Prince Kayode stated this in Abuja during a meeting with the Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Dr. John Alfa who visited him.
The President who was represented at the meeting by the Chamber’s Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC) Coordinator, Mr. Olawale Rsheed, explained that the chamber has a vibrant Health Trade Group.
He added that the chamber is interested in driving and motivating investors to patronise results of research to transform such into medical products.
According to him, driving private investment to transform research outcome into products have become necessary in other to give government the backing it deserves to come to the aid of those in need of basic drugs, supplements, reagents, equipment and supplies.
“I want to deeply appreciate you for recognising the role this chamber is playing in facilitating businesses across all sectors including Health. As a Grade A chamber of commerce, we are deeply committed to the task of helping businesses to grow and connecting them with global opportunities.
“Your Institute is very critical to the growth and development of healthcare in Nigeria. We are proud of the work you did in developing the sickle cell drug which will soon be commercialised. I am aware that, several organisations have approached us to link them with opportunities which they will leverage on to bring about some specialised services to the country” he stated.
Earlier in his address, Dr. Alfa pointed out that there was every need to use the chamber as veritable platform to attract partners to the activities of the institute and use same as a networking platform.
He reiterated the commitment of the Institute in carrying out its core mandate which is to research into and develop pharmaceutical products that will take care of ailments.
He also said, research funding is a huge task that must carry all stakeholders along just as he stated that herbal medicine is also given considerable priority in its scheme of affairs.
Dr. Alfa also made a passionate case for the chamber to help in creating awareness that will lead to investment in pharmaceutical research as well as unlock the opportunities inherent in industry.
