Calls for urgent action on the high cost of medical consumables in Nigeria continue to grow louder. President Bola Tinubu must fully enforce the executive order aimed at reducing the prices of essential medical supplies.
Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a well-known chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, made this demand in Osogbo on Sunday. He spoke directly to journalists, emphasizing the continued suffering of patients despite the president’s order.
In June 2024, President Tinubu signed an executive order to lower the cost of life-saving drugs and machines. The goal was to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians seeking medical care. However, months later, many essential drugs still cost far too much.
Patients across the country still pay inflated prices for basic medical consumables. Therefore, many families face serious financial hardship just to receive treatment. The situation remains critical, despite government promises.
According to Oyintiloye, the lack of enforcement is the real problem. He urged the president to take bold steps and ensure that the order delivers real results. Without strong implementation, he warned, the policy will fail to protect the people it was meant to help.
Furthermore, he argued that affordable healthcare must not remain a luxury for the wealthy. Every Nigerian, regardless of income, deserves access to medicine and proper treatment. The current reality forces many to choose between survival and bankruptcy.
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He noted that rural communities suffer the most. In many of these areas, prices are even higher due to poor supply chains. As a result, access to treatment becomes even more difficult for those already struggling with poverty.
Meanwhile, private suppliers and healthcare providers continue to ignore the directive. Prices remain unchecked, and regulations seem nonexistent in some parts of the country. Therefore, Oyintiloye called for a stronger regulatory response from health agencies.
He urged government bodies to increase inspections and monitor price compliance more aggressively. In his view, clear penalties should follow any violation of the executive order. Only firm action can stop the exploitation of vulnerable citizens.
Additionally, Oyintiloye recommended more cooperation between the public and private sectors. By working together, stakeholders can lower production and distribution costs. This will eventually lead to fairer prices at the patient level.
He also reminded the administration that policies must not stay on paper. Nigerians expect leadership that delivers practical change. People need results they can see and feel in their daily lives.
Ultimately, the rising prices of medical consumables threaten public health nationwide. Every day without action risks more lives and deepens the healthcare crisis. The time for enforcement is now.
President Tinubu already showed political will by signing the order. Now, he must go further. He must ensure every patient benefits from that decision. Nigerians demand more than promises—they demand results.
