Federal Government Focuses on Procuring Essential Medicines to Address Rising Healthcare Costs
The Federal Government has announced plans to procure essential medicines to alleviate the rising costs of medicines and healthcare products in Nigeria. This disclosure was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during the commemoration of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day in Abuja on Thursday.
Prof. Pate emphasized that the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, introduced a year ago, aims to save lives, reduce both physical and financial burdens, and ensure health for all Nigerians. He noted that in the medium to long term, the local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products and commodities will help reduce costs and improve availability, contributing to the UHC goal of lowering the financial burden of health services.
The minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and prevent impoverishment due to medical spending. He shared that 2 million additional Nigerians had been enrolled in the country’s health insurance program, bringing the total number of insured lives to 8 million, which represents a 14% increase as of the third quarter of 2024.
Prof. Pate further revealed that a substantial ₦45.9 billion had been disbursed through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to assist vulnerable and indigent Nigerians, allowing them to access medical care without paying at the point of service. The fund, supported by state governments, ensures that citizens in need receive the necessary care, complementing other social sector interventions.
The minister also spoke about the government’s efforts to reduce healthcare costs for target groups with high insurance premiums. He mentioned that as of October 2024, 879 obstetric fistula repairs had been successfully carried out across 19 centers, with a target of 2,500 repairs by the end of the year, restoring the dignity and quality of life for many women.
These efforts are part of the broader goal of making healthcare more accessible and affordable to all Nigerians, contributing to the achievement of universal health coverage in the country.
