The Executive Council of the Federation has approved the establishment of a group purchasing organization, Medipool, to reduce the cost of essential medicines and healthcare products in Nigeria.
This move according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, is part of the government’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare and lower drug costs for Nigerians.
Addressing State House Correspondents at the end of Monday’s Council meeting Chaired by President Bola Tinubu, Prof. Pate said the Medipool initiative will utilize the government’s monopsony power to negotiate lower prices with suppliers and manufacturers.
He added that the organization will handle procurement planning, distribution, supply chain management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
“This is expected to stimulate local manufacturing, support import substitution, and ensure steady availability of essential drugs at lower costs”
In a related development, the Council also approved a contract worth N2.3 billion for the procurement and installation of a cardiac catheterization machine at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto.
This the Minister said will enable the hospital to provide diagnosis and treatment services for heart and blood vessel problems, potentially saving lives and reducing medical tourism.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
