FEC approves N10.3bn for diabetes diagnostic kits, HIV/AIDS drugs, other medical supplies

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N10.3 billion for the procurement of essential medical supplies, including diabetes diagnostic kits, third-line antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients, antibiotics, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic medications.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced this after Wednesday’s FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The approval, he said, aligns with the administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare for Nigerians.

A breakdown of the N10.3billion medical procurement shows that N997 million is for third-line antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients with drug resistance.

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N2 billion goes for the acquisition of locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits, marking a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to boost local pharmaceutical production.

N4.5 billion will be for procurement of medical commodities such as antibiotics, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic medications.

N2.1 billion goes for the purchase of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation/equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

A significant portion of the approval will support local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, with the government procuring locally made diagnostic kits for diabetes for the first time. 

Prof. Pate highlighted that the Onpoint Blood Glucose Monitoring System, produced by a Lagos-based company, will be distributed nationwide, particularly in primary healthcare centers, to improve diabetes diagnosis and management.

“We have a growing population of Nigerians suffering from diabetes, many of whom are unaware of their condition. For the first time, a local company is manufacturing diagnostic test kits in Nigeria, and the federal government is procuring N2 billion worth of these kits to enhance accessibility,” Pate stated.

He added that this initiative is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to develop Nigeria’s healthcare value chain by supporting local industries and reducing reliance on imported medical products.

Beyond medical supplies, the FEC also approved N2.1 billion for upgrading diagnostic facilities at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

The funding covers the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation of the hospital’s CT scan unit, aimed at improving radiology services for patients within Bauchi and the surrounding region.

“The diagnostic services and clinical care provided at this hospital will be of the highest quality, serving not only Bauchi State but also neighboring regions,” Pate emphasized.

President Tinubu had previously called for a medical relief programme to reduce healthcare costs. 

As part of this initiative, the approved N4.5 billion will be used to procure and distribute antibiotics, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic medications, further easing the financial burden on patients.

“These medications will help lower the cost of treatment, especially for vulnerable Nigerians. More importantly, they will be sourced from local manufacturers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting indigenous pharmaceutical production,” the minister added.

Prof. Pate reaffirmed that the latest approvals are part of President Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria’s health sector, ensuring that essential medical services and supplies are both accessible and affordable.

“We are relentlessly executing Mr. President’s agenda for the health sector. These approvals mark another step forward in expanding healthcare access, boosting local production, and improving medical infrastructure across the country,” he said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE