The Federal Government has introduced a new national drug procurement scheme, Medipool, designed to reduce the cost of medicines and medical supplies while supporting local production and stabilising access.
The policy, approved during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, will allow the government to centralise demand from public health institutions and negotiate better prices through large-scale purchasing.
Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate said the move is expected to reshape how essential medicines are sourced and distributed, using public-private partnerships to drive down costs and reduce reliance on imports.
Beyond price control, Medipool will oversee supply chain systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and prioritise quality standards, with a long-term vision of boosting local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
In a related development, the Council also approved the purchase of a high-end cardiac diagnostic machine for a teaching hospital in Sokoto, a move officials say will improve regional access to specialised care and reduce dependence on foreign medical treatment.
