The Coordinating Minister of Well being and Human Providers, Prof. Muhammad Pate, mentioned on Wednesday that the Federal Authorities will quickly situation an government order to curb escalating drug costs within the nation.
Prof Pate defined that the chief order is a short-term purpose to scale back drug costs.
He added that the federal authorities's medium to long-term aims in lowering drug costs embody the domestication of imported medication inside the subsequent three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Funding.
Prof Pate, who made this recognized through the third version of the collection of ministerial press conferences initiated by the Ministry of Info in Abuja, famous that pharmaceutical grade warehouses on the federal degree could be commissioned in April 2024.
The briefing collection was designed to offer a platform for presidency officers to showcase their achievements and educate Nigerians on the challenges of governance.
Specialists within the pharmaceutical trade have mentioned that foreign money depreciation, hoarding, import of medicine and crude foreign money, and excessive tariffs on imports of pharmaceutical merchandise are driving up the price of medication within the nation.
Findings by our correspondent confirmed that some medicines have elevated by as a lot as 200 to 300 p.c.
The Minister of State for Well being and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had completely informed our correspondent final week that President Bola Tinubu would quickly signal an government order to offer instant aid to Nigerians over the excessive value of prescribed drugs.
Dr. Alausa mentioned the excessive value of medicines within the nation is because of poor planning prior to now.
Talking on Wednesday, Pate mentioned: “The rising prices of prescribed drugs are a urgent concern and we’re taking decisive motion to sort out this downside. An government order can be issued quickly to curb rising drug costs within the brief time period, whereas our medium to long-term purpose includes the domestication of imported medication inside the subsequent three years, in collaboration with the Division of Commerce.
“In a strategic transfer to strengthen pharmaceutical infrastructure throughout the nation, the Federal Authorities in collaboration with Drug Administration Companies has initiated the development of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states.
“Two extra federal-level warehouses are additionally underway, complemented by the set up of the Warehousing Administration Info System – M Provide, throughout these 21 pharmaceutical-grade warehouses. This visionary undertaking started in October 2023 and is predicted to be accomplished in March 2024, with a deliberate commissioning in April 2024.”
He said that the implementation of WMIS is predicted to considerably improve accountability and transparency, making certain the efficiency of public well being medicines and different well being merchandise.
“This infrastructure growth is in keeping with our dedication to enhancing well being outcomes for residents throughout the nation.
“As well as, the federal government has taken steps to advertise information administration in healthcare. The usage of important medicines and narcotics on the three ranges of healthcare has been efficiently integrated into the Nationwide Well being Logistics Administration Info System platform.
“This decisive step not solely strengthens our worldwide picture by enhancing drug reporting, but additionally creates a sturdy framework for monitoring and optimizing the availability chain. Moreover, the Federal Authorities has spearheaded the event of the primary Nationwide Coverage on Cosmetics Security in Nigeria, an important coverage that can information the manufacturing and protected use of cosmetics within the nation.
“As well as, the event of two Unified Meals Security Coaching Manuals, specializing in the ideas of hazard evaluation and important management factors, in addition to the necessities for good hygiene and manufacturing practices within the meals provide chain, underlines our dedication to selling meals security and hygiene practices. in your complete nation.”
He added that the federal government's efforts to advertise medical industrialization are gaining momentum.
“Via strategic partnerships and financing initiatives, we’re unlocking the total potential of our healthcare sector. “I’m happy to announce that the ministry has secured a $1 billion dedication from Afriexim financial institution, along with commitments from international companions, to help our efforts on this space,” he mentioned.
