Abuja, Nigeria: The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has greenlit the establishment of Medipool, a centralised pharmaceutical procurement platform designed to reduce drug costs and enhance access to essential medicines across Nigeria.
Announcing the development, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said Medipool will serve as a group purchasing organisation, consolidating demand from primary healthcare centres and federal tertiary hospitals to leverage economies of scale in drug procurement.
“In alignment with the President’s mandate to ensure affordable and accessible medicines for all Nigerians, Medipool will enable the federal government to negotiate better prices and distribute quality pharmaceuticals nationwide,” Professor Pate stated during a press briefing at the State House.
The platform draws on successful models from countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. It aims to bolster local pharmaceutical manufacturing, promote import substitution, and ensure consistent supply of high-quality medications.
In addition, the Council approved the procurement and installation of a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation machine at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, at a cost of N2.3 billion.
Professor Pate noted that the advanced equipment will significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attacks and arrhythmias.
“This investment marks a significant step forward for Sokoto State and the broader North-West region. It will not only expand access to life-saving cardiac care but also help curtail the need for overseas medical treatment,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare reform.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ May 12, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
