NAFDAC, NHIA Partner To Enhance Access To Quality Medicines In Hospitals

In a renewed drive to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is collaborating with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to improve access to quality medicines in hospitals across the country.

This aligns with the presidential directive aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, made this known while receiving the Director-General of NHIA, Kelechi Ohiri, in her office.

Prof. Adeyeye underscored the importance of involving both NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) in the procurement processes of medicines, noting that such collaboration is critical to curbing the circulation of counterfeit and expired drugs in healthcare facilities, and ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe, effective, and high-quality medicines.

The NAFDAC boss also expressed concern over the challenges Nigerians face in accessing quality healthcare services, particularly those covered under the NHIA scheme.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Prof. Adeyeye pledged that NAFDAC would continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant government agencies to ensure the availability of quality medicines and alleviate the burden faced by citizens in accessing healthcare, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Director-General of NHIA, Dr. Ohiri, commended Prof. Adeyeye for her leadership and dedication to safeguarding public health through the regulation of medicines and other products.

Dr. Ohiri said there was the need to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NHIA and NAFDAC, strengthen institutional collaboration, and discuss ongoing reforms aimed at improving healthcare access and advancing the medicines supply initiative.