According to Pate, the second category of the approved contracts includes the procurement of locally manufactured diagnostic kits for diabetes.

He stated that the first-line antiretroviral drugs were approved a few weeks ago, and now they are putting forth resources, almost N997 million worth of contract, to procure the third-line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV-infected.

Pate further stated that a private company based in Lagos has been commissioned to manufacture diagnostic test kits, saying it is bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain by encouraging local manufacturers.

He added that monitoring devices will also be distributed across primary healthcare centres, and health workers will be trained to assist patients in tracking their blood sugar levels.

Read Also: FG unveils AI training for 6,000 teachers nationwide

Pate noted that the president had previously emphasised the need for a medical relief program to reduce the cost of medical commodities.

In line with this directive, he said N4.5 billion would be allocated to procure antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications—beyond the test kits—to help lower costs.

He also highlighted that the test kits were manufactured in Nigeria as part of efforts to support local production.

Additionally, the minister disclosed that N2.1 billion had been approved for obtaining a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitating and equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

He explained that the upgraded facility would enhance diagnostic and clinical care services, making the hospital a referral centre for the broader region, and not only Bauchi.

The post FEC Approves ₦10.3bn For HIV Drugs, Diabetes Kits, Others appeared first on Afinju FM.