From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said on Wednesday that it has launched an inquiry to ascertain the root causes of wide variation in the cost of pharmaceutical products in Nigerian markets.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Mr Tunji Bello disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, attended by representatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Federal and State Ministries of Health, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), the World Health Organization (WHO), among several others.
Mr Bello, in his remarks, explained that the inquiry was not to witch-hunt any individual or company, but to establish some basic facts that will enhance healthcare service delivery and ensure affordable medication for all Nigerians.
Represented by Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigations, FCCPC, Bello said the FCCPC is empowered by the FCCPA 2018 to promote fair business practices and safeguard consumer interests.
“It’s in exercising the powers and mandate that we launched this inquiry. It has become obvious that the cost of medications has risen significantly over the past one year, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerian consumers to afford the treatment they need.
“The high cost of drugs not only affects patients’ health outcomes, but also places a strain on our healthcare system. We have received a barrage of complaints regarding the variation and high costs of drugs in Nigerian markets.
“The inquiry is aimed at identifying factors contributing to disparities in healthcare accessibility and affordability, particularly regarding drug pricing, and we believe this is crucial to ensuring Nigerians have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
“This investigation is pivotal in ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality and affordable healthcare services. By addressing these pricing issues, we hope to contribute meaningfully to the overall well-being of consumers,” Mr Bello added.
In their respective remarks, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Mr Eze Ambrosia, and the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr Ibrahim Tanko, represented by the FCT Chairman of PSN, Mrs Salamatu Orakwelu, identified several factors driving the high costs and price variations of drugs.
They said the factors include inadequate infrastructure, dependency on drug importation, and foreign exchange challenges.
Additionally, Mr Osaretin Asowata of the Society for Family Health (SFH), in his goodwill message, emphasised the need for more robust policies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The deliberations are expected to yield actionable recommendations that will provide relief to Nigerian consumers and advance the country’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
