Coordinating Minister of Health, Ali Pate
ABUJA – The Federal Government is set to release an Executive Order aimed at regulating pharmaceutical prices, ensuring the affordability of essential medicines for citizens.
Coordinating Minister of Health, Ali Pate, revealed this following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Pate emphasized that the escalating costs of drugs have made life-saving products inaccessible to many Nigerians. The Executive Order is designed to foster the growth of local drug manufacturers and ensure fair pricing of crucial medicines, especially in the wake of major multinational pharmaceutical companies exiting Nigeria, leading to decreased competition.
Pate highlighted that the order aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to prioritize healthcare access under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stated, “Consistent with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which puts the human capital, health, and social welfare of Nigerians at the center, today at the Federal Executive Council, Mr. President took three far-reaching decisions relating to the health sector.”
Regarding the rising pharmaceutical costs, Pate explained, “President’s intent is that we begin to take steps to enable the local manufacturers to survive, to thrive and to deliver the basic commodities that are key to saving their lives.” He mentioned that an Executive Order, facilitated by the Attorney General of the Federation, is in the works to address the concerns about the financial burden of pharmaceuticals on Nigerians.
Additionally, Pate outlined measures to strengthen healthcare regulation and protect citizens. Regulatory bodies, including the Medical and Dental Council, will continue to receive funding exceptions to address the shortage of healthcare workers. To expedite hiring and reduce delays in replacing health workers, the Council has delegated approval of recruitment waivers directly to the Health Ministry.
In summary, these initiatives are part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on affordable healthcare, regulatory support, and addressing human resource shortages in the health sector.
