From Adetutu Folashade-Koyi and Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has hinted that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, will soon issue an Executive Order to curb escalating drug prices.
He explained that the Executive Order will be short term measure, while the mid to long-term goal measure would be the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
The Minister dropped the hint in Abuja, on Wednesday, at the ministerial press briefing organized by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to update Nigerians about the activities of government in different sectors of the economy.
Prof. Pate, said the Federal Government has initiated the construction of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states in collaboration with Drug Management Agencies (DMAs) in a strategic move to fortify the pharmaceutical infrastructure across the nation.
He added: “Two additional warehouses at the federal level are also underway, complemented by the installation of the Warehousing Management Information System (WMIS) which is expected to significantly enhance accountability and transparency, ensuring the potency of public health medicines and other health commodities.”
The Minister also debunked media reports that Nigeria is facing manpower shortage in its health care system, insisting that the country has enough manpower for its health care services despite the growing number of doctors and other health care professionals who are leaving the country for foreign practice.
He also passed vote of confidence in the training system for health workers, which necessitated the increasing demand of Nigerian health care professionals abroad
He said: “Its because our health care professionals are well trained, that’s why they are being sort after in the global market. Many countries in the world don’t have sufficient manpower to meet their health care needs of its people, hence they turn to Nigeria for help. Besides, our people have proven themselves, professionally and otherwise, across the country.”
He assured Nigerians that the government is working assiduously with local and international partners to improve the health care delivery system in Nigeria through a touch of digitization and deployment of state-of-the-art medical equipments.
The Minister further confirmed that efforts to promote medical industrialization are gaining momentum. “Through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, we are unlocking the full potential of our healthcare sector. We have secured a $1 billion pledge from Afriexim bank, alongside commitments from foreign partners, to support our endeavors in this regard.
“Similarly, the Federal Government will soon release N50bn as the first tranche of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which is a significant increase from N25bn allocated in 2022. This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our Primary Health Care facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.
“It’s important to note that since the beginning of this administration, 750,000 Nigerians have been enrolled in health insurance. More would access quality health care services through the Vulnerable Group Fund and the BHCPF.”
The Minister confirmed that patients’ attendance at federal tertiary hospitals have increased significantly, a testament to the improved quality of care and confidence in the healthcare system.
“However, through targeted investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, we would enhance the capacity of these institutions to deliver specialized medical services and handle complex health conditions, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to world-class health care services.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in his remarks, appreciated the Minister for his giant strides in the health care system which resulted in improved health care services for Nigerians.
He, thus appealed to the media to champion the campaign for positivities in Nigeria in place of any push and temptation to highlight negativities. “This exercise was initiated to provide a platform for public officials to reel out their achievements and equally apprise Nigerians of the challenges of governance. It also create a chance to engage with senior government officials, on behalf of Nigerians.”