FEC Approves ₦10.3bn for Diabetes Kits and HIV Drugs to Boost Healthcare

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦10.3 billion for the procurement of diabetes testing kits and HIV drugs, aiming to improve healthcare services in Nigeria.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has sanctioned ₦10.299 billion for the acquisition of crucial medical supplies, such as diabetes diagnostic kits, antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients, antibiotics, and medications for hypertension.

The approval supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to improving the accessibility and affordability of healthcare throughout Nigeria.

After the FEC meeting in Abuja, Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced that these funds will be instrumental in tackling significant health challenges and enhancing medical care for millions of Nigerians.

As stated by Pate, the intervention focuses on crucial aspects of healthcare to ensure that Nigerians—especially those who are poor and vulnerable—have access to essential medications and diagnostic tools.

The allocated funds encompass a range of medical supplies and hospital equipment, including:

₦997 million allocated for third-line antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS patients who have become resistant to first- and second-line therapies.

₦2 billion allocated for purchasing locally produced diabetes diagnostic kits to enhance the early detection and monitoring of the disease.

₦4.5 billion allocated to make essential antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications affordable for Nigerians.

₦2.1 billion allocated for the acquisition of a mobile X-ray machine, refurbishment of a computerized tomography (CT) scan, and installation of a 64-slice CT scanner at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

A notable element of the FEC’s decision is the government’s endorsement of local manufacturers.

The diabetes diagnostic kits, funded from a portion of the ₦2 billion allocation, will be obtained from a Lagos-based Nigerian company. This initiative marks one of Africa’s pioneering efforts in local production of such medical equipment.

“Diabetes poses a significant health challenge in our country, with many Nigerians unaware of their condition. For the first time, a local Nigerian company will produce diagnostic test kits, initiating efforts to enhance the healthcare value chain,” explained Pate.

The government will also acquire Onpoint blood glucose monitoring systems in addition to diagnostic kits, guaranteeing that diabetes patients can regularly track their condition.