The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N10.299 billion for the purchase of essential medical supplies, including diagnostic kits, HIV/AIDS medications, antibiotics, and treatments for diabetes and hypertension. The decision was made during a council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, shared details of the approval, noting that the government’s investment aligns with the President’s goal of improving access to quality and affordable healthcare for Nigerians.
A significant portion of the funds—N997 million—has been allocated for procuring third-line antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients who have developed resistance to previous treatments. Additionally, N2 billion will be used to acquire locally manufactured diagnostic kits for diabetes.
The Minister noted that diabetes is a growing health concern in Nigeria, with many individuals unaware of their condition. To address this, the government is purchasing test kits from a Lagos-based company producing these kits locally for the first time. The Onpoint blood glucose monitoring system will be distributed to healthcare facilities, where medical workers will be trained to support diabetes patients in managing their condition.
Furthermore, N4.5 billion will be directed towards acquiring medical commodities, including antibiotics, antihypertensives, and anti-diabetic medications. These products, sourced from Nigerian manufacturers, aim to lower the cost of essential treatments while boosting local pharmaceutical production.
Another N2.1 billion has been allocated to upgrade medical equipment at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi. This includes purchasing a mobile X-ray machine and rehabilitating the hospital’s computerized tomography (CT) scan facilities. The hospital serves as a major referral center in the region, and the improvements are expected to enhance diagnostic and treatment services.
