In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize Africa’s healthcare system and enhance health outcomes, Colexa Biosensor Limited, a subsidiary of Codix Pharma Limited, has commissioned the inaugural In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Factory in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The milestone event also marked the introduction of the OnPoint Blood Glucose Meter & Strips, a product meticulously evaluated, approved, and registered by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The official inauguration ceremony, held at the company’s headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos, signifies a significant leap forward in addressing diverse health challenges across the African continent.
The flagship product specifically targets the prevalence of diabetes in Africa, producing blood glucose meters and strips to aid millions of individuals grappling with the disease. The objective is to combat diabetes effectively, raise awareness about early detection, and facilitate better disease management for improved recovery and overall wellness.
With an impressive installed capacity of 3.6 million packs, extendable to 10.8 million packs annually, Colexa Biosensor is well-positioned to meet local demand and explore export opportunities, beginning with its subsidiaries across West Africa. This initiative offers the added advantage of reducing the dependence on foreign exchange for raw material procurement.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi, the Executive Chairman of Colexa Biosensor Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to Africa, with Nigeria as its strategic base. The vision is to expand solutions across the continent and globally while contributing to addressing trade imbalances and enhancing foreign exchange earnings.
Mr. Ogunjimi stated, “We aim to localize and backward integrate to reduce our dependence on imports, and this factory is the first step towards achieving that goal.” He proudly announced that the factory had obtained two Quality Management System certifications: the ISO 13485:2016 (IVD) Certificate and the ISO 9001:2015 (process) certificate. Additionally, the OnPoint BGM received a successful independent evaluation from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). The factory is expected to provide direct employment for over 700 staff and numerous indirect employment opportunities.
In his keynote address, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to support local manufacturers of healthcare products. He emphasized the importance of preventing the depletion of foreign exchange reserves on the importation of pharmaceutical products that can be locally produced. Professor Pate affirmed the government’s pledge to purchase locally manufactured diabetes test kits and encouraged the growth of the healthcare industry to contribute to the African healthcare market.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, a former Minister of Health, urged the government to create an enabling environment for companies like Colexa Biosensor to thrive. He proposed measures such as patronage of local products and the complete removal of import duties on pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and accessories.
In a goodwill message, Prof (Mrs.) Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, celebrated the achievement of Maturity Level 3 by NAFDAC, presenting a significant opportunity for quality Nigerian products to be accessible and accepted across African countries. She commended Sammy Ogunjimi and Lekan Asuni for their visionary efforts in ensuring Nigeria meets its local consumption of IVD products.
