Medicine shortages loom amid US-Iran conflict

Trump

There are growing concerns among stakeholders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector that the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran could trigger a shortage of essential medicines by disrupting drug imports and delaying the supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients needed for local production.

They warned that a prolonged crisis could drive up the cost of medicines and medical consumables nationwide.

The stakeholders noted that although local drug manufacturers were currently absorbing rising production costs, disruptions in global supply chains, surging oil prices, and foreign exchange pressures may soon affect both the availability and affordability of essential medicines.

In exclusive interviews with The PUNCH, the stakeholders, however, agreed that beyond price increases, the greater risk posed by the conflict was the potential disruption in supply, which could limit access to essential medicines for Nigerians. Punch