The Federal Government of Nigeria is advancing efforts to ensure the availability, affordability, and quality of essential medicines in public healthcare facilities through a pool-procurement initiative. This was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during an event in Abuja commemorating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day under the theme, “Health on the House of Government.”
Prof. Pate highlighted that the initiative is part of the three-year Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, which was introduced to save lives, reduce physical and financial hardship, and improve health outcomes across Nigeria.
Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
“In the short term, we are pool-procuring essential medicines under the Presidential Value Chain Initiative to address the rising cost of healthcare and ensure affordability and availability,” Pate explained. He added that the government also plans to promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing in the medium to long term, reducing dependency on imports and stabilizing costs.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
Prof. Pate acknowledged the rising costs of food, drugs, and transportation, which have increased the financial burden on Nigerians. To mitigate these challenges, he emphasized the need for strategic measures that ensure accessible healthcare without further economic strain on citizens.
The minister also noted the imbalance in Nigeria’s health expenditures, citing data from the National Health Account showing individuals bear over $70 per capita in healthcare costs, compared to $15.5 per capita spent by the government. He stressed the importance of transferring financial burdens from individuals to government programs and schemes.
Unified Approach and Increased Funding
To achieve these objectives, the government has adopted a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) guided by principles like One Plan, One Budget, and One Report. Prof. Pate commended state governors for aligning with this vision through the signing of the Compact.
The Tinubu administration has mobilized over $3 billion in additional funding through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). This includes $2.178 billion in external financing for implementation between 2024 and 2026.
Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
The Federal Government has made significant strides in expanding healthcare coverage, increasing the number of Nigerians enrolled in health insurance schemes by 14% as of Q3 2024. Additionally, ₦45.9 billion has been disbursed under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) to support vulnerable groups and indigent citizens.
Special Initiatives
Prof. Pate highlighted targeted investments to address critical health challenges, including obstetric fistula and cancer. By October 2024, 879 fistula repair surgeries were conducted across 19 centers, with a target of 2,500 repairs by year-end. These efforts aim to restore dignity and improve the quality of life for affected women.
“The Tinubu administration envisions a resilient health system that caters to all Nigerians, regardless of their socioeconomic status,” Pate concluded.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
