According to President Muhammadu Buhari, his administration gave local pharmaceutical producers N100 billion, and investors in the healthcare industry also benefited from the cash.
To increase the nation’s capacity to produce pharmaceuticals, Buhari funded the operation of the Nigerian-owned healthcare businesses through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The payment was made to continue the healthcare sector’s economic contribution to Nigeria after the COVID-19 epidemic. During the lockdown, the sector was seen as essential.
On Tuesday, when the new Executive members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Buhari made the financial assistance public.
The president further stated, “I commend our medical professionals for their contribution to Nigeria’s exemplary management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the control of malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis, and other feats also achieved by Nigerian doctors in the diaspora.
“Our response to COVID-19 pandemic has been praised internationally and your members are key parts of this success.
“I recall that in the last quarter of 2021, the immediate past NMA executives visited me and presented recommendations for the health sector, which included the review and amendment of NHIS Act; upgrading and equipping existing health institutions; loans to fund hospital equipment; the repeal and re-enactment of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act; and appeal for more funding for the four newly established Universities of Medical Sciences.
