Shalina Healthcare receives commendations for its impact on Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry as winners emerge in two prestigious competitions

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]halina Healthcare has received widespread praise from stakeholders in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry for its commitment to academic excellence and healthcare development.

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The commendations poured in as winners emerged in the two highly regarded medical competitions—the Shalina Young Talents Award (SYTA) and the Shalina Rising Stars Award—held recently in Lagos.

The awards, organised by the multinational pharmaceutical company, aim to foster innovation and academic brilliance among pharmacy students and medical professionals in Nigeria.

Representatives from academic institutions, regulatory bodies, and professional associations lauded Shalina Healthcare’s contributions to the industry.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, praised the company’s efforts, stating, “Shalina Healthcare is laying unprecedented legacies while creating an enduring path for young talents in the industry.”

Similarly, the National First Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, expressed gratitude for Shalina’s investment in healthcare.

“We thank Shalina Healthcare for what they are doing for healthcare practice in Nigeria. This is investing in the future, impacting and promoting knowledge and medical research. NMA celebrates them,” he said.

The Second Vice President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Prof. Chris Aimakhu, also commended the initiative, noting that the company is purposefully raising the standard of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria.

“Shalina has enabled young scholars to improve their level of research and academic work in medical schools,” he stated.

One of the assessors of the Rising Stars Award, Prof. Stephen Ikuerowo, a Professor of Urological Surgery at Lagos State University College of Medicine, acknowledged the high calibre of participants, saying, “All the contestants are winners.

They are excellent, and selecting the final 10 was extremely difficult. It shows Shalina is helping to bring out the best and the greatest out of Nigeria.”

In his opening remarks, the CEO of Shalina Healthcare Pharma, Mr. Debajeet Mukherjee, highlighted the company’s ongoing contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“We are establishing a world-class manufacturing company in Nigeria, producing a vast array of quality and affordable medicines, and investing in educational and developmental programmes for young professionals.

We believe in contributing to Africa’s economy and GDP, and young people should seize these opportunities,” he said.

At the grand finale of the Shalina Young Talents Award (SYTA), a national competition for final-year pharmacy students, Samuel Ayomide Ibrahim from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG), emerged as the winner.

Competing against students from 16 schools of pharmacy across Nigeria, Ibrahim triumphed in a contest that saw 2,744 students participate in the local qualifiers. He received the grand prize of ₦1 million.

Meanwhile, in the Shalina Rising Stars Award, which recognises outstanding clinical talents among medical professionals, Dr. Odebiyi Akinola Ayodeji of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, secured the top prize.

After a rigorous competition that began in October 2023 with 750 doctors nationwide, Dr. Ayodeji won the grand prize of ₦1.2 million, competing against the 10 finalists with the best research presentations.