FEC approves N93.9 billion for healthcare boost
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved four major health initiatives worth approximately N93.9 billion to strengthen healthcare delivery, disease control, and emergency medical services across Nigeria. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
National snakebite research centre approved
Mr Pate said FEC approved the upgrading of the Kaltungo Snakebite Treatment Centre into the National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre. The centre will provide specialised treatment, research, training, and sustainable access to quality antivenom. “Snakebite remains a significant yet neglected public health challenge, especially among farmers, herders, hunters, women and children,” he said. According to him, Nigeria records over 43,000 snakebite cases yearly, causing deaths, disabilities and severe socio-economic consequences. “This will be the first specialised snakebite research and treatment centre in Nigeria and the sub-region,” Pate added.
Mobile blood donation clinics procured
The minister said FEC also approved the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas-powered blood donation mobile clinics for the National Blood Service Agency. The project, valued at about N6.9 billion, will improve blood collection, storage, and distribution nationwide. “We require about 1.8 million units of blood annually but currently collect only about 25 to 30 per cent,” he said. Mr Pate noted that the mobile clinics would support maternal healthcare, trauma management, surgeries, and cancer treatment across the six geopolitical zones.
N62 billion for tuberculosis commodities
FEC approved N62 billion for procuring tuberculosis commodities to strengthen Nigeria’s response to one of the world’s highest TB burdens. “Nigeria is among the countries with the highest tuberculosis burden. Government is now taking responsibility for procuring these commodities,” he said. The approval will reduce dependence on foreign donors and pave the way for local production of tuberculosis medicines.
Family planning commodities approved
The minister said FEC equally approved the procurement of reproductive health and family planning commodities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. The initiative, valued at about N25 billion, will improve maternal healthcare and voluntary family planning services nationwide. “The commodities will be distributed through primary healthcare centres while supporting future local manufacturing,” Pate said. He concluded that the approvals underscore the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
