The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N10.3 billion for the acquisition of essential medical supplies, including diabetes diagnostic kits, third -line antiretroviral medications for HIV/AIDS patients, antibiotics, antihypertensives and antidiabetics.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced this after the Wednesday FEC meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu in the presidential town, Abuja. The approval, he said, is aligned with the commitment of the administration to expand access to quality and affordable medical care for Nigerians.
A breakdown of the medical acquisition N10.3 billion shows that N997 million is for third -line antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients with medication resistance.
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N2 billion opts for the acquisition of diagnostic kits of locally manufactured diabetes, marking a milestone in Nigeria's efforts to boost local pharmaceutical production.
N4.5 billion will be for the acquisition of medical products such as antibiotics, antihypertensives and antidiabetic medications.
N2.1 billion goes to the purchase of a mobile X -ray machine and the rehabilitation/equipment of a computed tomography of 64 cuts at the ABUBAKAR TAFAWA Balewa University Hospital, Bauchi.
A significant part of the approval will support local manufacturers of pharmaceutical and medical devices, with the government that hires the diagnostic kits manufactured locally for diabetes for the first time.
Prof. Pate stressed that the Blood glucose monitoring system of ONPOINT, produced by a lake -based company, will be distributed throughout the country, particularly in primary medical care centers, to improve the diagnosis and management of diabetes.
“We have a growing population of Nigerians suffering from diabetes, many of whom do not know their condition. For the first time, a local company is manufacturing diagnostic test kits in Nigeria, and the federal government is obtaining N2 billion in these kits to improve accessibility, ”said Pate.
He added that this initiative is part of the widest strategy of President Tinubu to develop Nigeria's health value chain by supporting local industries and reducing the dependence of imported medical products.
Beyond the medical supplies, the EMF also approved N2.1 billion to improve diagnostic facilities at the ABUBAKAR TAFAWA Balewa University Hospital, Bauchi.
The financing covers the acquisition of a mobile X -ray machine and the rehabilitation of the hospital computerized tomography unit, with the aim of improving radiology services for patients within Bauchi and the surrounding region.
“The diagnostic services and clinical attention provided in this hospital will be of the highest quality, serving not only the state of Bauchi but also to neighboring regions,” Pate emphasized.
President Tinubu had previously asked for a medical aid program to reduce medical care costs.
As part of this initiative, the approved N4.5 billion will be used to acquire and distribute antibiotics, antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications, further relieved financial burden for patients.
“These medications will help reduce the cost of treatment, especially for vulnerable Nigerians. More importantly, local manufacturers will be obtained, reinforcing the government's commitment to support indigenous pharmaceutical production, “added the minister.
Professor Pate reaffirmed that the last approvals are part of President Tinubu's vision to transform Nigeria's health sector, ensuring that essential medical services and supplies are accessible and affordable.
“We are relentlessly executing Mr. President for the Health Sector. These approvals mark another step forward to expand access to medical care, increase local production and improve medical infrastructure throughout the country, ”he said.