Doctors, Nurses Pool Resources To Purchase Medicines For Patients – President And Cancer Society Report

Doctors, Nurses Pool Resources To Purchase Medicines For Patients – President And Cancer Society Report....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Dr. Adamu Umar, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society and National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition, discussed the profound impact of escalating drug prices on patients in Nigeria. He emphasized that rising costs not only affect medication but also exacerbate overall living expenses, hitting the ordinary Nigerian hard amid inflation and stagnant wages. Dr. Umar underscored the critical need for universal health coverage to ensure basic healthcare access for all citizens, highlighting that a healthy populace drives national productivity.

He cited specific examples of drugs whose prices have skyrocketed, such as a medication jumping from N2,500 to N30,000, straining patients managing chronic conditions like cancer and diabetes. Dr. Umar pointed out that the majority of Nigerians, over 86%, pay out-of-pocket for healthcare due to limited insurance coverage, leading many to resort to substandard or incomplete treatments.

He noted that vulnerable patient groups, including those with chronic illnesses, face disproportionate challenges due to these cost increases. Many patients, unable to afford full treatments, resort to partial courses or alternative sources for medications, impacting their health outcomes negatively.

Dr. Umar advocated for policy reforms such as full implementation of the National Health Insurance Act and increased healthcare budget allocations to alleviate the burden on patients. He stressed the importance of government intervention in supporting local drug production to control costs and ensure availability.

Looking forward, Dr. Umar warned that without proactive measures, the situation could worsen, compelling patients to seek cheaper but less effective options, leading to more severe health consequences and potentially higher mortality rates.

He urged collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and policymakers to mitigate rising drug costs, highlighting existing partnerships as models that could be expanded to benefit more patients. Ultimately, he emphasized the urgency of effective health policies to protect vulnerable patients and improve healthcare outcomes across Nigeria.