FG distributes N23bn medical equipment, essential drugs

FG Begins Nationwide Distribution of ₦23bn Medical Supplies to Boost Primary Healthcare

The Federal Government has officially commenced the distribution of medical equipment and essential medicines worth over ₦23 billion across the country, in a major move to revamp Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, flagged off the initiative on Thursday in Abuja, describing it as a “promise kept” under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Prof. Pate stressed that the distribution is a core part of ongoing health sector reforms and warned against the diversion or mismanagement of the supplies.

“We will strictly monitor the distribution of these items. Any misuse or diversion of public resources will be met with strong consequences. The EFCC, ICPC, and Police are already on board to track everything,” he said.

He noted that for decades, many Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria were under-resourced or non-functional, causing maternal deaths and lack of access to basic healthcare and vaccinations. The new distribution aims to reverse this trend by bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people.

Prof. Pate explained that this intervention goes beyond infrastructure and includes drugs, equipment, and manpowerneeded to rebuild public trust in PHCs.

Over 500 PHCs to Benefit

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, described the initiative as a milestone in improving health service delivery.

He revealed that:

• Over 500 revitalised PHCs across the 36 states and the FCT will benefit.
• The supplies include 56 categories of medical equipment and 80 different essential medicines.
• ₦14 billion was spent on medicines such as antimalarials, antimicrobials, antihypertensives, family planning commodities, and others.
• ₦9 billion was allocated for medical equipment like incubators, delivery beds, portable ultrasound machines, autoclaves, heat ovens, and diagnostic tools.

Dr. Aina added that this builds on earlier government interventions, including solar power installations, cold-chain equipment, and maternal care kits in over 1,000 PHCs nationwide.

“Already, more than 14,000 women are benefiting from emergency obstetric care, including free caesarean sections and transport vouchers,” he said.

He also mentioned that over 69,000 frontline health workers have been trained, while states like Kaduna and Ekitihave recruited more skilled birth attendants and community health workers under the Federal Government’s Project Hope.

Stakeholder Support and Call to Action

Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, National Coordinator of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), praised the Federal Government and the NPHCDA for prioritising maternal and child health.

“This is a clear demonstration of commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian women and children. We are committed to ensuring these efforts reach every corner of the country,” he said.

He urged state governments to complement the federal intervention by investing in health personnel and maintaining infrastructure at the local level.

The initiative is also being supported by the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, with additional maternal care kits distributed to further enhance service delivery.

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