The Federal Government has approved a new initiative called Medipool, aimed at reducing the cost of medicines and other medical supplies for Nigerians. The decision was made during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday at the State House in Abuja, and presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate explained that Medipool will function as a group purchasing organization, leveraging the government’s purchasing power to secure lower prices for essential medicines and healthcare products across the country.
According to Pate, Medipool will consolidate demand from basic healthcare centres and federal tertiary hospitals. By purchasing in bulk, the government can negotiate better prices, making essential medical products more affordable and accessible.
“Today, the Council approved Medipool a group purchasing organization designed to secure competitive pricing and serve as a supplier of essential medical products nationwide. It will be supported by government interventions, such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and will eventually include tertiary hospitals as well,” he said.
The minister added that Medipool’s responsibilities will cover a wide range of functions, including procurement planning, supply chain and logistics management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and support for local manufacturers. The policy also aims to promote import substitution and includes mechanisms for financial management, capacity building, and contingency planning to ensure consistent availability of quality medicines.
Pate highlighted that the Medipool model draws inspiration from successful systems in countries like Kenya, South Africa, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. The broader goal is to support local production and provide Nigerians with access to affordable, high-quality medicines through a public-private partnership framework.
In addition to approving Medipool, the FEC also awarded a ₦2.3 billion contract for the procurement of a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation machine for Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto.
This advanced equipment will enhance the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, blood vessel issues, and irregular heart rhythms.
