President Bola Tinubu endorsed three resolutions at the Federal Executive Council meeting to address the rising cost of pharmaceuticals and healthcare accessibility in Nigeria.
The decisions aim to regulate the sector, protect human well-being, and counteract the exit of major manufacturers. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced that the Attorney-General of the Federation will develop executive orders to ensure the survival of local manufacturers.
The move also includes addressing the shortage of healthcare workers by delegating recruitment waivers directly to the health ministry, streamlining the approval process.
Pate described the decisions as the first steps in tackling challenges related to syringes, drugs, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare devices.
The President approved an initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain and appoint a coordinator. However, escalating pharmaceutical prices and the withdrawal of entities prompted the need for further action.
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To protect citizens and strengthen healthcare regulation, key regulatory bodies like the Medical and Dental Council will continue to receive funding. Pate emphasized that this funding won’t be affected by cuts impacting other professional associations.
President Tinubu’s directive to delegate approval of recruitment waivers to the health ministry aims to expedite the hiring process and reduce delays, particularly addressing the acute human resource shortage in healthcare.
The comprehensive approach outlined by the Federal Executive Council underscores the commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and addressing challenges within the sector.
