Nigeria’s healthcare system is hindered by reliance on imports, leading to increased costs and limited access. Mary Ogangwu from Codix Pharma stresses the need for effective policies to boost local manufacturing. Despite challenges, there is a focus on improving domestic production capabilities. Codix is focusing on innovation and partnerships, aiming to enhance health outcomes and reduce reliance on imports.
Nigeria currently faces significant challenges within its healthcare industry, heavily relying on imports of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. This dependency has led to increased healthcare costs, limiting access for both providers and patients. Mary Ogangwu, the Chief Operating Officer of Codix Pharma Limited, emphasizes that establishing effective policies and government-led initiatives is essential to meet ambitious local manufacturing targets of 70 percent for medicines and 30 percent for medical devices.
The situation in 2024 was particularly difficult, marked by economic woes, inflation, and Naira depreciation, which escalated the costs associated with imported healthcare products. The heavy import reliance has sparked supply chain disruptions, leading to shortages of crucial medications and highlighting growing health inequalities. Despite these adversities, the Nigerian government has been proactive in enhancing local healthcare manufacturing through strategic regulatory reforms and investment.
As of 2025, the healthcare landscape is poised for transformation despite the withdrawal of USAID funding, which poses significant challenges. This shift raises concerns about the sustainability and self-reliance of the Nigerian healthcare system, exposing its over-dependence on foreign aid. Ogangwu expresses optimism for forthcoming policy measures that will aim to bolster local production capacities.
Codix Pharma, founded in 2008, has evolved significantly, initially focusing on diabetes care. The company now stands at the forefront of healthcare innovations in Nigeria, utilizing technology to provide accessible healthcare solutions. With over 70 NAFDAC-approved products and a commitment to addressing existing gaps in the healthcare sector, Codix is focused on enhancing health outcomes regionally.
Moving forward, Codix aims to invest in a new manufacturing facility to localize production and support the healthcare industry in Nigeria. This initiative is seen as critical to reducing reliance on imports and enhancing economic viability. The company has adopted a backward integration strategy aimed at producing locally-manufactured healthcare products, a monumental step for sub-Saharan Africa.
Codix’s approach prioritizes collaborative partnerships across the healthcare landscape to address challenges collectively and contribute meaningfully to improved healthcare outcomes. The organization values innovation and competition, striving to develop solutions that cater specifically to the needs of the Nigerian health system, while also expanding its market reach across the continent.
Despite challenges such as high-interest financing and inadequate healthcare funding, Codix remains committed to pushing the envelope in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The lack of sufficient government expenditure has limited local product demand, hampering potential growth and investment. However, Ogangwu maintains a positive outlook, expressing hopes for increased governmental focus on healthcare funding moving forward.
In five years, Codix aims to emerge as a leading health tech company in Africa, facilitating the localization of healthcare solutions and enhancing service delivery not only within Nigeria but also across the African continent. The long-term vision is aligned with a commitment to transforming the healthcare landscape into a self-sustaining entity that can meet contemporary challenges effectively.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s healthcare system faces numerous obstacles primarily due to over-dependence on imported pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Mary Ogangwu advocates for robust policy measures and government initiatives to enhance local healthcare manufacturing capacities. Codix Pharma exemplifies commitment to innovation and collaboration within the sector, positioning itself to become a leading health tech company in Africa by 2030. The future holds promise for transformative changes that could foster self-sufficiency and improved healthcare access in Nigeria.
Original Source: businessday.ng
