The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth N10.3 billion for the procurement of essential medical supplies, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other critical health commodities. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, announced the approvals after Wednesday’s FEC meeting, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving access to affordable healthcare.
A key allocation includes N997 million for third-line antiretroviral drugs for people living with HIV, following earlier approvals for first and second-line treatments. The minister emphasised Nigeria’s shift towards increased domestic funding for HIV treatment amid uncertainties in global health financing. Additionally, N2 billion has been allocated for locally produced diabetes diagnostic kits, marking the first time a Nigerian company will manufacture these critical medical supplies.
Also Read: The Sachet Alcohol Crisis in Nigeria
To ease the rising cost of essential medicines, the council approved N4.5 billion for a medical relief programme covering antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antidiabetic drugs, all sourced from Nigerian manufacturers. This initiative is expected to boost the local pharmaceutical industry while ensuring affordability for patients.
FEC also approved N2.1 billion for a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.