ICYMI: FEC approves N10.3bn for diabetes kits, antiretrovirals, hospital equipment

The federal executive council (FEC) has approved a contract worth N10.3 billion for various medical products aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability.

Ali Pate, minister of health and social welfare, announced the approval while speaking to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting on Wednesday.

He said the funding would cover essential medical supplies, including antiretroviral drugs, diabetes diagnostic kits, and critical hospital equipment.

“The first category is N997 million for the contract to procure third line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV infected,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“I believe you will understand the importance of this, given the changes in global health financing and moving towards domestic financing to allow Nigerians to continue the treatment they require.”

The minister highlighted the growing burden of diabetes in Nigeria, adding that many people were unaware of their condition.

He said the federal government has allocated N2 billion to procure locally manufactured blood glucose monitoring kits.

Pate added that the procurement would include glucose monitoring points nationwide to help diabetes patients track their condition.

The minister also noted that President Bola Tinubu had previously emphasised the need for a medical relief programme to reduce the cost of essential medicines.

He added that a private company based in Lagos had been commissioned to manufacture diagnostic test kits.

“Diabetes is a major issue in our country. It’s among the fastest growing segment. We have lots of our population suffering from diabetes, and some are not even aware they have diabetes,” he said.

“So, the government is procuring the diagnostic kits for 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. The federal government is procuring N2 billion worth of those diagnostic kits.

“Out of this total amount, there will also be in addition, points of glucose monitoring, such that anybody who has diabetes will know where to monitor over time.”

He said N4.5 billion would be used to procure antibiotics, anti hypertensive and anti diabetic medications, beyond the test kits, which would be distributed to help lower costs.

He added that the test kits were manufactured in Nigeria as part of efforts to patronise local manufacturers.

The minister said the second approval was N2.1 billion for the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine, the rehabilitation, and equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

Pate said the investment would enhance diagnostic and clinical services, making the hospital a key referral centre for the wider region.