The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved about ₦10.3 billion for various health sector projects aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for Nigerians.

Briefing State house Correspondent after FEC on Wednesday, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the approval includes funds for essential medicines, diagnostic kits, and medical equipment. Specifically, ₦997 million was allocated for the procurement of third-line antiretroviral drugs for Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.

Our correspondent, Raliat Adenekan reports that Dr Pate also disclosed that ₦2 billion was approved for the purchase of locally manufactured blood glucose monitoring kits for diabetic patients. The kits, which will be manufactured and supplied by a Lagos-based firm is part of government’s effort to support local manufacturing and strengthening the healthcare value chain. 

FEC also approved the purchase of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation of a 64-slice CT scan at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi State, at a cost of ₦2.1 billion. And to reduce the cost of essential medicines in Nigeria, ₦4.5 billion has been set aside for antibiotics, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic drugs, to be locally produced in order to make healthcare products more affordable for the poor and vulnerable. 

The Health Minister, Pate reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring high-quality medical services for all. 

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