Chijioke Iremeka As sick Nigerians are faced with persistent hikes in prices of essential medicines, pharmacists have raised the alarm that the rising insecurity in Nigeria is worsening drug distribution across the country. They explained that the security challenges in the country had not only disrupted the drug distribution supply chain but had also led to a sharp increase in the cost of medicines with many sick Nigerians unable to afford life-saving medications. The senior health professionals also noted that the disruption had exacerbated the crisis in the health sector.
The pharmacists who disclosed this exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise stated that due to the insecurity, many patients have limited access to drugs which further burdens the healthcare system. The experts expressed worry that the persistent hike in the cost of medications had worsened lately with fear of no end in sight among Nigerians. They maintained that addressing the rising insecurity was crucial for stabilising drug prices and ensuring consistent access to medications in the country.
Vice-President of the Diabetes Association in Nigeria, Mr. Bernard Enyia recently lamented that in 2023, he managed his condition with a monthly budget of N70,000 for insulin and other medical expenses, but now spends over ₦180,000 monthly on the same medication. “A year ago, I managed my diabetes with a monthly budget of N70,000 for insulin and other medical expenses.
“Today, I spend over ₦180,000 monthly, a figur.