The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, approved about N10.3 billion for the procurement of antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other essential health commodities.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, who briefed State House correspondents on the approvals, noted that the move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility and affordability of health commodities, and health services, by Nigerians.
“A few weeks ago, we approved the first-line antiretroviral drugs, and now we are putting forth resources, almost N997 million worth of contract, to procure the third-line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV-infected.
“I believe you will understand the importance of this, given the changes in global health financing and the shift towards domestic financing to ensure Nigerians continue receiving the treatment they require,” he said.
According to Pate, the second category of the approved contracts includes the procurement of locally manufactured diagnostic kits for diabetes.
“Diabetes is a major issue in our country. It’s among the fastest-growing segments. We have lots of our population suffering from diabetes, and some are not even aware they have it,” he stated.
He further stated that a private company based in Lagos has been commissioned to manufacture diagnostic test kits.
“So, government is procuring the diagnostic kits, the on-point blood glucose monitoring system that is manufactured here in Nigeria. This is bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain by encouraging local manufacturers,” Pate said.
Monitoring devices will also be distributed across primary healthcare centres, and health workers will be trained to assist patients in tracking their blood sugar levels.