The Nigerian Government is to issue an Executive Order to check the escalating rise in the price of drugs in the country.

Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Like other goods and services in the country, the cost of drugs and other pharmaceutical products have skyrocketed in recent times, especially since the removal of fuel subsidy and introduction of foreign exchange reforms by the Federal Government.

The development has made it difficult for many Nigerians to access healthcare.

Pate noted that the Nigerian government is concerned at the hike in cost of drugs.

An Executive Order will soon be introduced to address the problem, he said.

“The rising cost of pharmaceuticals is a pressing concern, and we are taking decisive action to address this issue. An Executive Order will soon be issued to curb escalating drug prices in the short term, while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade,” Pate said.

He added, “In a strategic move to fortify the pharmaceutical infrastructure across the nation, the Federal Government initiated the construction of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states in collaboration with Drug Management Agencies.

“Two additional warehouses at the federal level are also underway, complemented by the installation of the Warehousing Management Information System (WMIS) – M Supply, in these 21 pharma-grade warehouses.

“This visionary project, commenced in October 2023, is slated for completion in March 2024, with a scheduled commissioning in April 2024.”

The minister explained that the implementation of Warehousing Management Information System, WMIS, is expected to significantly enhance accountability and transparency, ensuring the potency of public health medicines and other health commodities.

“This infrastructure development aligns with our commitment to improving health outcomes for citizens nationwide.”

Pate further disclosed that the Federal Government has taken strides in advancing healthcare data management.

He said, “Essential medicines and narcotics utilization across the three levels of healthcare have been successfully onboarded onto the National Health Logistics Management Information System (NHLMIS) platform. This decisive step not only strengthens our international image by enhancing medicines reporting but also establishes a robust framework for monitoring and optimizing the supply chain,” he said.

The minister added that the Federal Government has led the development of the maiden National Policy on Cosmetics Safety in Nigeria, a crucial policy that will guide the production and safe use of cosmetics in the country.

According to him, the development of two Unified Food Safety Training Manuals, focusing on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, HACCP, principles as well as the requirements for Good Hygiene and Manufacturing Practices, GHP/GMP, along the food supply chain, underscores the government’s commitment to promoting food safety and hygiene practices across the nation.

“These initiatives collectively signify our dedication to advancing both pharmaceutical and food safety standards, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of our citizens,” Pate said.

Noting that the government’s efforts at promoting medical industrialization are gaining momentum, the minister announced that the Ministry of Health has secured a $1 billion pledge from Afrieximbank, alongside commitments from foreign partners, to support the initiative.

He stressed that, through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, the government is unlocking the full potential of the country’s healthcare sector.