The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, gave an approval of about N10.3 billion for the purchase of
antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other essential health commodities.
The approval is intended to improve Nigerians’ access to and affordability of health services and goods.
According to Dr Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who briefed State House media on the approvals, he
explained that such action is intended to improve Nigerians’ access to and affordability of health commodities and services.
“A few weeks ago, we approved the first-line antiretroviral drugs, and now we are putting forth resources, almost N997
million worth of contracts, to procure the third-line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV-infected.
“I believe you will understand the importance of this, given the changes in global health financing and the shift
towards domestic financing to ensure Nigerians continue receiving the treatment they require,” he said.
The purchase of locally produced diabetes diagnostic kits is included in the second category of the approved
contracts, Pate said.
“Diabetes is a major issue in our country. It’s among the fastest-growing segments. We have lots of our population
suffering from diabetes, and some are not even aware they have it,” he stated.
He added that a Lagos-based private business has been hired to produce diagnostic test kits.
“So, the government is procuring the diagnostic kits, the on-point blood glucose monitoring system that is
manufactured here in Nigeria. This is bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain by encouraging
local manufacturers,” Pate said.
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Monitoring devices will also be distributed across primary healthcare centres, and health workers will be trained to
assist patients in tracking their blood sugar levels.
Pate pointed out that in order to lower the cost of medical supplies, the president has earlier stressed the necessity of a medical relief programme.
He stated that N4.5 billion would be set aside in accordance with this direction to help reduce expenses by
purchasing antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antidiabetic drugs in addition to the test kits.
In an effort to promote domestic manufacturing, he also emphasized that the test kits were produced in Nigeria.
Additionally, the minister disclosed that N2.1 billion had been approved for the procurement of a mobile X-ray
machine and the rehabilitation and equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
He explained that the upgraded facility would enhance diagnostic and clinical care services, making the hospital a
referral centre not only for Bauchi State but also for the broader region.
