- FEC approves N10.3 billion for HIV drugs, diabetes kits, and other essential medical supplies.
- Nearly N1 billion is set aside for third-line HIV drugs and local production of diabetes test kits.
- Additional funds cover key medications and equipment upgrades at a Bauchi teaching hospital.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth N10.3 billion to procure essential medical supplies, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other critical health commodities.
Speaking after the fourth FEC meeting of the year on Wednesday, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, briefed State House correspondents about the approvals, noting that the move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility and affordability of health commodities and services for Nigerians.
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A few weeks ago, the government approved first-line antiretroviral drugs, and now nearly N997 million is being allocated for third-line antiretroviral drugs for HIV-infected individuals.
Pate emphasized the importance of this decision given changes in global health financing and a shift toward domestic funding, ensuring that Nigerians continue to receive necessary treatments.
The approved contracts also cover the procurement of locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits. Recognizing that diabetes is a major and growing health issue in the country with many unaware of their condition, a private company based in Lagos has been commissioned to manufacture these diagnostic kits and related blood glucose monitoring systems.
These devices will be distributed across primary healthcare centers, and health workers will receive training to help patients monitor their blood sugar levels, thereby supporting local production and unlocking the healthcare value chain.
In addition, Pate noted that, following a directive from the President to reduce the cost of medical commodities, N4.5 billion has been set aside for the procurement of antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications.
Furthermore, N2.1 billion was 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.
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The upgraded facility is expected to enhance diagnostic and clinical care services, making it a referral center for Bauchi State and the broader region.
Overall, these approvals reflect the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system by increasing domestic financing, supporting local production, and improving healthcare infrastructure.
