FEC approves N10.3bn for HIV treatment, others

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦10.3 billion for the purchase of essential medical supplies, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other critical healthcare commodities.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, who addressed journalists after the meeting yesterday, stated that the funding aims to improve access to affordable healthcare solutions for Nigerians.

“A few weeks ago, we approved the procurement of first-line antiretroviral drugs. Now, nearly ₦997 million has been allocated for third-line treatment for people living with HIV,” Pate said.

He noted that the shift towards domestic healthcare financing is crucial to ensuring continued treatment for patients, especially amid changing global health funding structures.

In addition to HIV treatment, the government has also approved funding for locally produced diabetes diagnostic kits, acknowledging the rising prevalence of the disease in Nigeria.

“Diabetes is a growing health challenge in our country. Many people live with the condition without even knowing it,” he stated.

A Lagos-based private manufacturer was been commissioned to produce blood glucose monitoring kits, aligning with the government’s plan to boost local production in the healthcare sector.

“These diagnostic kits are made in Nigeria, supporting our strategy to strengthen the healthcare value chain and reduce dependence on imported medical supplies,” the minister explained.

The government also plans to distribute monitoring devices to primary healthcare centres nationwide, alongside training for health workers to help patients track their blood sugar levels.

Additionally, ₦4.5 billion has been set aside for the procurement of antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, and antidiabetic medications, further lowering medical costs for Nigerians.

As part of broader efforts to enhance medical infrastructure, ₦2.1 billion has been approved for the purchase of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

Pate emphasised that these upgrades would strengthen diagnostic and clinical care services, positioning the hospital as a key referral centre for Bauchi State and surrounding regions.