FEC approves N10.3bn for diabetes kits, HIV drugs

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦10.299 billion for the procurement of essential medical commodities, including diabetes diagnostic kits, antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients, antibiotics, and hypertensive medications.

The approval aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability across Nigeria.

Announcing the decision after the FEC meeting in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, emphasized that the funds will help address critical health challenges and improve medical care for millions of Nigerians.

According to Pate, the intervention targets critical areas of healthcare, ensuring that Nigerians—particularly the poor and vulnerable—can access essential medications and diagnostic tools.

The approved funds cover various medical supplies and hospital equipment, including:

₦997 million for third-line antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS patients who have developed resistance to first- and second-line treatments.

₦2 billion for the procurement of locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits to improve early detection and monitoring of the disease.

₦4.5 billion for essential antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications, ensuring affordability for Nigerians.

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

A significant aspect of the FEC’s decision is the government’s support for local manufacturers.

The diabetes diagnostic kits, which will be procured using part of the ₦2 billion allocation, will be sourced from a Lagos-based Nigerian company, making it one of the first in Africa to produce such medical equipment locally.

“Diabetes is a major health challenge in our country, with many Nigerians unaware they have the condition. For the first time, a local company in Nigeria will manufacture diagnostic test kits, bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain”, Pate explained.

The government will also procure Onpoint blood glucose monitoring systems alongside diagnostic kits, ensuring that diabetes patients can consistently monitor their condition.