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Tag: hospital equipment

  • FEC approves ₦10.3bn for diabetes kits, HIV drugs, hospital equipment

    FEC approves ₦10.3bn for diabetes kits, HIV drugs, hospital equipment

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦10.299 billion for the procurement of essential medical commodities, including diabetes diagnostic kits, antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients, antibiotics, and hypertensive medications. 

    The move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for Nigerians.

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced the approvals while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday after the FEC meeting, which was presided over by the President Tinubu.

    According to Pate, the intervention targets critical areas of healthcare, ensuring that Nigerians—particularly the poor and vulnerable—can access essential medications and diagnostic tools.

    The approved funds cover various medical supplies and hospital equipment, including:

    ₦997 million for third-line antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS patients who have developed resistance to first- and second-line treatments.

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    ₦2 billion for the procurement of locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits to improve early detection and monitoring of the disease.

    ₦4.5 billion for essential antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications, ensuring affordability for Nigerians.

    ₦2.1 billion for the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine, rehabilitation of a computerized tomography (CT) scan, and installation of a 64-slice CT scanner at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

    A significant aspect of the FEC’s decision is the government’s support for local manufacturers. 

    The diabetes diagnostic kits, which will be procured using part of the ₦2 billion allocation, will be sourced from a Lagos-based Nigerian company, making it one of the first in Africa to produce such medical equipment locally.

    “Diabetes is a major health challenge in our country, with many Nigerians unaware they have the condition. For the first time, a local company in Nigeria will manufacture diagnostic test kits, bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain”, Pate explained. 

    The government will also procure Onpoint blood glucose monitoring systems alongside diagnostic kits, ensuring that diabetes patients can consistently monitor their condition. 

    Pate emphasized that health workers across primary healthcare centers and other medical facilities would be trained to use these kits.

    In addition to diagnostic tools, the ₦4.5 billion approved for antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antidiabetic medications will help reduce costs for patients. 

    The minister noted that these medications would be sourced from local manufacturers, strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.

    “We are pooling demand and prioritizing our local manufacturers to reduce costs while ensuring that Nigerians have access to essential medicines,” Pate stated.

    The FEC also approved ₦2.1 billion for Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi to improve its diagnostic capabilities. 

    The funds will cover the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine to enhance radiology services and the rehabilitation and equipping of a CT scan facility.

    It will also include the installation of a 64-slice CT scanner, ensuring high-quality imaging services.

    Pate highlighted the hospital’s regional importance, serving not just Bauchi State but also neighboring states.

    “The diagnostic services and clinical care at this hospital will be of the highest quality, strengthening its role as a key referral center,” he said.

    The approvals are part of President Tinubu’s broader vision for healthcare reform. 

    According to Pate, the administration is working “relentlessly” to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring that policies translate into tangible improvements for citizens.

    “These interventions are in line with our transformation agenda for the Nigerian health sector. We are executing them with urgency and efficiency to deliver results”, he affirmed.

  • Fed Govt signs MoU in local manufacturing of hospital equipment

    Fed Govt signs MoU in local manufacturing of hospital equipment

    The Federal Government has signed partnership agreements to begin local manufacturing of hospital equipment, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The government said it had signed two critical letters of intent with Siemens Healthineers through its Nigerian partner, Tanit Medical Engineering; and Abbott Laboratories GmbH.

    The partnerships would enable the country to reduce its reliance on imported healthcare equipment and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system. 

    The government stressed that through the partnerships, it would unlock the healthcare value chain by fostering local production and enhancing access to quality medical services.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Alaba Balogun, said the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Abdu Mukhtar, represented the Federal Government during the signing of the partnership agreement.

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    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, was present at the signing of the agreement.

    Pate thanked Mukhtar and his team for their dedication to attracting investors to Nigeria, reiterated that there was an Executive Order that provided valuable incentives for those investing in the nation’s health sector.

    Mukhtar explained that the agreement reflected PVAC’s commitment to decreasing reliance on imports and enhancing future access to medical devices.

    “This MoU embodies our shared vision for advancing healthcare, enhancing access, improving outcomes, and unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.

    “The MoU outlines the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through public-private partnerships.

    “We encourage everyone to support this initiative and work together to turn this vision into a reality,” he said.

    The Vice President and Head of Public Sector Engagement for Siemens Healthineers in the Middle East and Africa, Kevin Massoudi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing diagnostic services in Nigeria.

    He acknowledged the nation’s key role as a leader in health innovation across Africa.

    Also, the Vice President of EMEA & Global Accounts at Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Dr. Rabah El Menshawy, described the MoU as a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold initiatives were shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    “This commitment ensures that Nigerians can access high-quality diagnostic solutions, proudly produced here in Nigeria. We are inspired by this vision and are honoured to partner in its realisation, he said.

    “Our collaboration is focused on supporting Nigeria’s ambitious goal of ending HIV infections by 2030, an objective that aligns with our company’s mission to promote health equity and empower individuals to lead healthier, fuller lives.

    “Through this MoU, Abbott aims to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria by improving access to quality diagnostics, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the Nigerian people.

    “This initiative equally represents an opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s economy. We believe that local production of rapid diagnostic tests will create employment opportunities and build local capacity through training and knowledge transfer,” he said.