NIPRD “unprepared” for formal opening

The new offices of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development missed schedule for presidential opening after health minister Onyebuchi Chukwu last week described the readiness of NIPRD’s facilities as “rubbish”. Months after the Institute began using its new offices earlier this year, facilities it needs are yet to reach the standards expected for […]

The new offices of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development missed schedule for presidential opening after health minister Onyebuchi Chukwu last week described the readiness of NIPRD’s facilities as “rubbish”.

Months after the Institute began using its new offices earlier this year, facilities it needs are yet to reach the standards expected for Nigeria’s world-class centre for drug and food research.

“This is the only national institute we have. When you enter here, you should be shaking,” he complained of the absence of the ‘wow factor’ in the lab’s ambience. “The lab is one of the neatest places you can go in the world.”

NIPRD is currently researching diabetes treatment in some six local medicinal plants and has successfully produced Niprisan, a drug to manage sickle cell disorder.

During an inspection visit to assess NIPRD’s readiness for formal opening, Chukwu criticised the fitness of its laboratories, the absence of paper journals in its library and even choice of bookshelves and concluded it wasn’t prepared.

He raised issues with the institute’s lack of attention to basic details, likening it to the current rampage of cholera.

“Until we stop open defecation, we can’t stop cholera. Stopping it doesn’t need anybody to go to school; it just needs building toilets,” insisting on the basics.

A technical team is to estimate another feasible time for opening, he said.

“It will give us an idea when whatever is needed to be put in place will be done,” Chukwu concluded.

“There is no point rushing into commissioning,” admitted NIPRD director-general, Prof Karniyus Gamaniel. “We are challenged but we will take it up.”

He said the Institute could install its internet services in two weeks, stock its library with books and change the shelves.

“The challenge is most of us use online journals. Once the internet is in, there’s nothing you want that we cannot give you,” said Gamaniel.