PBAT Approves ₦10.3 Billion for Historic Bulk Purchase of Nigerian-Made Medications and Diagnostic Kits

Abuja, Nigeria – In a landmark move to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing and expand healthcare access, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦10.3 billion for the bulk purchase of Nigerian-made medications and diagnostic kits. The initiative, under the newly launched National Medical Relief Programme, aims to provide direct, ward-by-ward distribution of essential medical supplies to all 774 local government areas (LGAs) nationwide.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Tinubu, granted approval for the initiative following a request by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. This programme is designed to enhance local production, generate employment opportunities in the health sector, and deliver crucial medical relief to millions of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable communities.

Breakdown of the Approved Funds:

 
1. ₦997 million – Procurement of third-line antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV/AIDS patients who have developed resistance to first- and second-line treatments.
2. ₦2 billion – Purchase of locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits to improve early detection and monitoring of diabetes.
3. ₦4.5 billion – Procurement of essential antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications to support the treatment of life-threatening conditions.
4. ₦2.1 billion – Investment in critical medical infrastructure, including:
- A mobile X-ray machine
- Rehabilitation of a computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Installation of a 64-slice CT scanner at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, a regional hub serving multiple states.
One of the significant milestones of this initiative is the procurement of diabetes diagnostic kits from a Lagos-based Nigerian company, marking a first-of-its-kind achievement in Africa for locally manufactured medical equipment.

This approval underscores the Tinubu administration's commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system by reducing reliance on imported medications and equipment while ensuring affordable, high-quality healthcare for all citizens.

The National Medical Relief Programme is expected to not only provide immediate health benefits but also stimulate long-term growth in Nigeria’s medical and pharmaceutical industries, making the country more self-reliant in healthcare provision.

Nationwide Distribution to Begin Soon

 
With the approval secured, the distribution of these essential medical supplies is set to commence immediately, ensuring that millions of Nigerians in urban and rural communities gain access to life-saving treatments and diagnostic tools.

This initiative signals a new era in Nigeria’s health sector, with a strong focus on local manufacturing, economic empowerment, and improved healthcare delivery for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.