Health

FG, health workers union reach agreement to avert strike

Published

4 years ago

September 8, 2021

The Federal Government says it has reached an agreement with members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) on issues warranting a strike notice recently issued by the union.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said this on Tuesday, while addressing journalists at the end of a five-hour meeting with the JOHESU leadership in Abuja.

JOHESU had, on September 3, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government to meet their demands or the health workers would embark on a strike.

The minister said a memorandum of understanding would be signed next week.

He said both sides reached an understanding on all the issues in dispute, adding that matters discussed included the hazard allowance, review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years, and arrears relating to the adjustment on the new national minimum wage.

He added that an understanding was also reached on the upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), as done with Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

“Based on previous discussion, we delivered to them (JOHESU) the financial implication of what is due to them and they promised to get back to their members and report back to us,” Ngige said.

“On the other hand, government is meeting with NMA next week for their separate discussion on hazard allowance. Already, the federal government has budgeted the sum of N37.5 billion for this.

“The issue was resolved to the satisfaction of all of us. The government is not delaying the hazard allowance as some people want the public to believe.

“Since the past six months, government has been making concerted efforts to push the new hazard allowance into effect, which we are doing now but for disagreement between NMA and JOHESU.”

On the upward review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years, Ngige said the meeting received reports from the office of the head of service of the federation and the ministry of health, and an agreement has been reached on the proposal.

He added that JOHESU will meet with the ministry of health on Thursday to draw up a framework for all the discussions.

“We will be ready to address all the issues. But we agreed that as a result of the perilous state of economy, the principle of capacity to pay will guide all our discussions,” he added.

JOHESU President, Josiah Biobelemonye, said, “Strike is not the way to go”, and expressed optimism that all issues raised by the union would be addressed by the FG.

Health

Poisonous fluorides in toothpaste: Pharmacists counter televangelist’s claims

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2025

Trends Admin

Poisonous fluorides in toothpaste: Pharmacists counter televangelist’s claims

Pharmacists have refuted recent claims made by a popular pastor that fluorides in food, toothpaste, and pharmaceutical products are poisonous and carcinogenic.

While acknowledging the pastor’s spiritual influence, the pharmacists provided crucial scientific clarity, asserting that fluoride, when used in approved quantities by regulatory bodies, is safe and beneficial for public health.

The pharmacists, on the platform of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, made the clarifications, weekend.

Their intervention comes in response to trending videos where the religious leader vehemently condemned the pharmaceutical industry over the inclusion of fluorides in various consumer products.

Scientific facts

In a statement by the National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the pharmacists said: “We at ACPN will not attempt to tackle the pastor’s anointing in God’s word.

“But (we) will clarify with some scientific insight and background that the pastor’s exposition on fluorides was not totally in alignment with scientific facts.

“The ‘Use of Fluorides in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Foods’ declared: ‘Fluorides used in approved quantities by the relevant and appropriate food and drug regulatory agencies are safe’.

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“In strictly public health interest, the ACPN wishes to posit as follows: Fluoride used in approved quantities by the relevant and appropriate Food and Drug regulatory agencies are safe.

“While some researchers have indeed linked Fluoride with some cancers, oftentimes such incidences have been proven to be in instances where excessive amounts beyond the approved limits were used.”

They clarified that, usually, fluoride use not more than 5mg/kg is safe.

Highlighting the well-established benefits of fluoride in oral hygiene, the ACPN stated that “fluorides enhance tooth enamel and prevent decay when added to toothpaste in approved quantities. This makes it both safe and effective in toothpaste.”

Toothpaste misuse

The association further explained that adverse effects like dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and thyroid complications only arise from prolonged excessive misuse of toothpaste.

Addressing concerns about fluoride in dairy and non-dairy milk, the ACPN clarified that while cow’s milk is typically fluoride-free, some plant-based milk might contain it as a preservative or natural component.

However, they reiterated that even in such non-dairy milk as vegan milk, it is only the excessive addition of fluoride that poses any propensity to danger.

The ACPN underscored the fundamental principle of pharmacology, stating that “No drug or pharmaceutical product is safe except when taken in the right quantities or measures over a timeline within the given drug regimen.

“This is why we often say all drugs are potential poisons depending on their use and management.”

Drawing attention to the natural occurrence of fluorides, the ACPN pointed out that they are naturally occurring molecules found in water, soil, salmon fish, and even some fruits and are even present in minute quantities in breast milk.

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The ACPN further affirmed from a holistic scientific perspective that fluorides are generally perceived as safe for human consumption.

Poisonous fluorides in toothpaste: Pharmacists counter televangelist’s claims

Health

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Published

2 weeks ago

March 27, 2025

Trends Admin

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Experts say prices of drugs are likely to drop following the implementation of the federal government’s executive order on zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.

The Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it had commenced the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duty exemption on raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision was in line with the presidential order to boost local production of healthcare products

President Bola Tinubu had, in June last year, signed the Executive Order to increase local production of pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical devices.

The NCS’ spokesman said: “Critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of two years.”

The statement added that the exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents and packaging materials.

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Maiwada said to ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilised, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Experts speak

Experts said the implementation of the Executive Order would address the skyrocketing cost of medicines.

A former National Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, in a chat with our correspondent, described the implementation of the Executive Order as commendable, saying it would lead to reduction of prices some locally manufactured medicines like antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.

A former chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) FCT chapter, Pharmacist Eneojo Made, said the implementation of Zero VAT and exercise duties on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which are used to produce medicines, would boost the production of essential medicines for various categories of diseases thereby enhancing availability and access to them in the country.

A former National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kenneth Edeh Ujah, said, “When the cost of production of medicines at various stages is lower, of course, it is going to have that direct impact on the eventual cost of the medicine when people visit the pharmacy to buy their drugs.”

Also, Prof Cyril Odianose Usifoh, the immediate past president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), said the potential for success in the order was boosted because specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial products, including drugs, long lasting insecticidal bed nets, rapid diagnostic kits and others.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had, in a statement, said the Executive Order is a significant milestone, as it opens the door for local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to begin fully benefiting from the relief measures outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Executive Order

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Health

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

Published

2 weeks ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

A Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme on Monday in Lagos pioneered the first West African robotic surgery on a prostrate cancer patient.

Ekwueme, a UK-based medical doctor returnee recently established The Prostate Clinic, (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, the first super-specialised clinic in West Africa dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, utilising cutting-edge robotic surgery.

“This is truly historic,” declared Ekwueme, the clinic’s founder.

“We are bringing technology that has never been seen before in this region, giving Nigerians access to world-class treatment right here at home.”

The clinic’s centerpiece is the Da Vinci Robot, an advanced surgical system that provides unparalleled precision and minimally invasive procedures. “

Briefing journalists on the feat, Ekwueme explained that: “The Da Vinci Robot offers three-dimensional imaging and seven degrees of freedom, allowing for surgeries with minimal blood loss and faster recovery times.”

“Patients experience significantly less pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.”

Ekwueme, a renowned urologist, emphasised that the technology extends beyond prostate cancer.

“We are treating a range of urological conditions in both men and women, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our goal is to transform surgery in Nigeria.”

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Noting that the key focus of the clinic was accessibility, he said he is determined to make these advanced procedures affordable for all Nigerians.

“My mission is to ensure that no one in this country dies needlessly due to a lack of access to quality care.

“We are working to make these procedures as cost-effective as possible, and we are open to partnerships with the government to expand our reach.”

To address Nigeria’s power challenges, the clinic is equipped with a comprehensive solar power system, ensuring uninterrupted operations. “We understand the importance of reliable power.

“Our 24-hour solar system ensures that we can provide consistent, high-quality care.”

He said he is also committed to training local medical professionals in robotic surgery, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the technology in Nigeria.

“We are investing in the future of Nigerian healthcare. We want to empower our doctors with the skills they need to provide world-class care.”

Debunking common misconceptions about prostate and sexual activities, Ekwueme clarified that there is no proven dietary prevention for prostate cancer. “The primary risk factors are age, race, and family history. Early detection and access to advanced treatment are crucial.”

Looking ahead, Ekwueme revealed plans to introduce groundbreaking technology for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with zero blood loss.

“I am doing a procedure tomorrow, and soon I will unveil a technology that has never been done in Africa, splitting the prostate from the inside with absolutely no blood loss,” he stated.

He said with its state-of-the-art technology, commitment to affordability, and focus on local training, The Prostate Clinic Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery is poised to revolutionise cancer care in West Africa, offering hope and advanced treatment options to countless Nigerians.