Group moves against proliferation of unwholesome healthcare equipment

The Healthcare Equipment and Allied Products Providers Association of Nigeria (HEPAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts against the proliferation of fake and substandard healthcare equipment and allied products in the Nigerian market.

The association described the saturation of the health sector with such unwholesome products as unacceptable, citing their detrimental impact on individuals, the nation’s healthcare system, the economy, and Nigeria’s global reputation.

As the leading advocate for quality healthcare delivery in the country, HEPAN emphasized its unwavering dedication to transforming the medical landscape through the promotion of superior healthcare devices.

In a statement on Wednesday, the National President of the association, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwankwo, emphasized that at its core, HEPAN is dedicated to fostering quality consciousness among its members by promoting compliance with regulatory standards and ethical business practices.

Nwankwo highlighted that by collaborating closely with regulatory agencies and key stakeholders in the health sector, the association ensures its members uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

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While affirming that a defining feature of HEPAN’s mission is its strong stance against the importation and sale of substandard medical devices, Nwankwo said it is this commitment that drives the association to actively discourage unethical practices while encouraging its members to contribute positively to the nation’s healthcare system.

The association emphasized its commitment to promoting patient safety in the marketplace, recognizing the far-reaching consequences of unethical practices on individuals, the healthcare sector, the economy, and Nigeria’s global reputation.

The association noted that this commitment inspired the theme of this year’s Annual Conference, “Prioritizing Patient Safety in the Marketplace,” scheduled during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja on December 6th and 7th, with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, as the Guest of Honour.

The conference, to be hosted by the Regional Vice President (North) of the association, Dr. Ikechukwu C. Anyanwu, will be chaired by Alhaji Mustapha Husein Falaki, with Prof. Saad Ahmad, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, as the Guest Speaker.

Additionally, Sen. Eze Njoku, Managing Director of Darlez Nigeria Ltd, and Clare Omatseye, Managing Director of JNC International Ltd, are slated to address key issues related to the conference theme.

Nwankwo noted that HEPAN also serves as a reliable platform for the identification, correspondence, and verification of importers, distributors, and suppliers of medical devices in Nigeria, adding that membership in the association enhances professional credibility and aligns businesses with its commitment to quality and compliance.

Through these initiatives, he said HEPAN continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, ensuring the nation’s medical infrastructure is built on trust, quality, and excellence.

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