The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the rise in drug prices and the scarcity of essential medicines in Nigeria.
The minister highlighted that the departure of multinational pharmaceutical companies, including GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and the subsequent surge in drug prices are critical issues that the president is actively addressing.
In August 2023, GSK announced its exit from Nigeria, leading to a significant increase in the prices of its drugs.
Furthermore, other prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Biode Pharmaceuticals, Barewa Pharmaceuticals, Toki Linkworld, Nigeria Hoechst, Evans Medical Plc, Welcome, Phoenix, and UTC, among others, are no longer operating in Nigeria.
Related News: Reno Omokri Urges President Tinubu to Ban Sports Betting Apps in Nigeria
Speaking after the commissioning of a new clinical complex in Lagos, Alausa stated that President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Health to find sustainable solutions to the problem of escalating drug prices.
The president is committed to establishing a durable and comprehensive healthcare system for Nigerians.
Alausa emphasized President Tinubu’s genuine concern, stating, “Mr. President is having sleepless nights on this drug scarcity. He wants to fix the healthcare system, and he is working to deploy his time and resources to achieve this goal.”
The minister acknowledged the challenges but urged Nigerians to bear with the government, assuring that improvements would be seen in the near future.
Regarding the multifaceted approach to the issue, Alausa mentioned efforts to combat counterfeiting, working with regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and Customs.
The government is also engaging with local pharmaceutical companies to increase production and persuading companies planning to leave to reconsider.
Additionally, plans are underway to open six medical industries across the six geopolitical zones to encourage local manufacturing.
The minister disclosed that over 120,000 nurses would be produced in the country by the end of the year, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges.
He urged patience from the public, emphasizing the government’s dedication to finding sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
You can also read: Osoba Hails Tinubu as a Hero for Scrapping Petroleum Subsidy