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Guest Columnist Secures $1b Afriexim bank grant for medical industrialization
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FG injects N50b into primary health care centres
By Tobias Lengnam
It emerged yesterday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to sign an Executive Order to “significantly reduce the cost of drugs and pharmaceutical products in the country.
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate at a media briefing in Abuja yedterday.
Pate also said that his Ministry has secured a $1 billion pledge from Afriexim Bank to boost medical industrialization.
He said the long term plan of the Federal Government was to reduce dependence on importation of drugs.
He, however, said the Federal government has injected N50billion into the rehabilitation and expansion of the nation’s Primary Health Care (PHC) centres..
He said the fund, which is warehoused in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), would be used to expand PHCs nationwide.
He confirmed the recruitment of 2,497 medical doctors, nurses, midwives and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to bridge the shortfall in health personnel and enhance provision of quality service delivery.
Pate made the disclosures at the Ministerial Press Briefing Series with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris.
While highlighting the significant progress achieved in the health sector under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration since May 2023, however, said that despite the departure of multinational companies from the country, the government is committed to reducing the cost of drugs and pharmaceutical products.
He said an Executive Order by President Tinubu was forthcoming to “significantly reduce the cost of drugs and pharmaceutical products in the country.
He said: “The rising cost of pharmaceuticals is a pressing concern, and we are taking decisive action to address this issue.
“An Executive Order will soon be issued to curb escalating drug prices in the short term, while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade.
“In a strategic move to fortify the pharmaceutical infrastructure across the nation, the Federal Government initiated the construction of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states in collaboration with Drug Management Agencies.
“Two additional warehouses at the federal level are also underway, complemented by the installation of the Warehousing Management Information System (WMIS) – M Supply, in these 21 pharma-grade warehouses.
“This visionary project commenced in October 2023 and is slated for completion in March 2024, with a scheduled commissioning in April 2024.
“The implementation of WMIS is expected to significantly enhance accountability and transparency, ensuring the potency of public health medicines and other health commodities.
“This infrastructure development aligns with our commitment to improving health outcomes for citizens nationwide.
“Furthermore, our efforts to promote medical industrialization are gaining momentum.
“Through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, we are unlocking the full potential of our healthcare sector.
“I am pleased to announce that the Ministry has secured a $1 billion pledge from Afriexim bank, alongside commitments from foreign partners, to support our endeavors in this regard”.
He also revealed that the Federal Government was securing a $1 billion facility from the Afriexim Bank, along with commitments from foreign partners, to boost the nation’s medical industrialization efforts.
He said: “The Federal Government will be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022.
“This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.
“To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives/Nurses, and CHEWs to bridge the gaps due to attrition.
“An additional 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities. This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.
“The Federal Government has made substantial strides in expanding health insurance coverage.
“Recognizing that financial barriers often deter individuals from seeking medical care, we have worked tirelessly to increase the accessibility and affordability of health insurance schemes.
“By supporting enrollment initiatives and streamlining administrative processes, we have extended coverage to millions of Nigerians, safeguarding them against the financial hardships associated with healthcare expenses.
“Since the beginning of this administration, we have enrolled about 750,000 more Nigerians in health insurance. We remain committed to providing access to quality health for all Nigerians through the Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)”
He stressed that ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians is non-negotiable, which is why proactive measures have been taken on diagnostic and preventive care.
“Through robust vaccination campaigns and outreach programs, we have achieved significant strides in sustaining immunization coverage nationwide, safeguarding our communities, particularly our children, from devastating diseases.
“Notably, our swift response to the diphtheria outbreak underscored our commitment to proactive disease control measures, swiftly containing the spread and saving countless lives.
“Since the inception of diphtheria response, over 5 million children have been immunized with the Penta vaccine and 10 million children with Td vaccines.
“In our ongoing efforts to combat the threat of Lassa fever, I am pleased to announce the comprehensive measures taken by the Federal Government to enhance response capabilities and safeguard the health of Nigerians.
“To strengthen our response to Lassa fever outbreaks, the Federal Government has embarked on the distribution of essential response commodities to states and treatment centers across the nation especially in affected states.
“I am delighted to announce the successful coverage of HPV vaccination. Since the launch of the HPV vaccine in October 2023 across 15 states plus the FCT, we have successfully vaccinated more than 4,95 million eligible girls aged 9-14 years representing 80% of eligible girls.
“The Phase 2 introduction is scheduled for May 2024 in Anambra, Borno, Cross-river, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Rivers, Oyo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Yobe, Plateau and Zamfara.
“Pre-implementation activities have commenced to ensure a successful phase 2 introduction of a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat cervical cancer.
“By prioritizing preventive measures and expanding access to life-saving vaccines, we are taking proactive steps to protect the health and well-being of our women and girls, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come”, the Minister added.
On the migration of Nigerian health workers to other countries, Pate said that the poaching of Nigerian medical personnel by foreign countries should not be seen in a negative light only.
He explained that the high demand for Nigerian medical personnel abroad is a testament to their global competitiveness, stemming from their quality training.
Despite this, he assured that the government is dedicated to retaining its healthcare workforce, stating, “Our commitment to enhancing tertiary healthcare services remains steadfast.”
He said notwithstanding, the government is working hard to ensure the retention of its healthcare workforce, “Our commitment to improving tertiary healthcare services is unwavering.
“Twelve tertiary hospitals/centers have been earmarked for infrastructure development, including the establishment of oncology centers, radiology centers, and diagnostics facilities.
“These investments will enhance our capacity to provide specialized care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our people
“In collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, we have taken proactive steps to address the shortage of healthcare professionals.
“By increasing the number of medical students admitted to medical schools, we are boosting the healthcare workforce and laying the groundwork for a healthier future”.
