The Diabetes Control Media Advocacy Initiative (DICOMAI) has urgently called upon the Nigerian Federal government to take immediate action in addressing the escalating cost of essential medications required for treating non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.
DICOMAI emphasizes the importance of eliminating import tariffs on these vital drugs to enhance their affordability and availability to the general population.
DICOMAI’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Afoke Isiavwe, and Executive Director, Sam Eferaro, issued a statement expressing concern over the exorbitant prices of medicines, which have surged due to the removal of fuel subsidies and other governmental policies.
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They implore the government to promptly intervene and reduce the financial burden of medications and medical treatments.
The organization highlights the dire situation faced by individuals with diabetes, who are struggling to manage their condition amidst rising costs.
The prevalence of diabetes complications has increased, resulting in severe consequences such as non-traumatic lower extremity amputations, prolonged hospital stays, and sometimes preventable fatalities.
Given that a significant portion of medicines utilized in Nigeria are imported, DICOMAI emphasizes the need to alleviate the impending health crisis. The current socioeconomic conditions and the ongoing brain drain in the healthcare sector exacerbate the urgency of the situation.
The call to action is directed towards President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene promptly to prevent a potentially avoidable healthcare catastrophe affecting people with diabetes and other critical illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, and asthma.
DICOMAI asserts that an immediate reduction or complete removal of import tariffs on essential drugs is imperative to provide relief to patients grappling with these conditions.
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The organization draws attention to the particularly dire situation for diseases like cancer and diabetes, where a significant proportion of required drugs and monitoring devices are imported. Nigeria currently has more than 5 million people living with diabetes, and this number continues to rise daily. Diabetic foot ulcers, kidney failure, and blindness are among the common complications resulting from inadequately managed diabetes.
Pharmaceutical sector sources suggest that if the government waives import customs and other taxes associated with these products, medication prices could potentially drop by up to 40 percent.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes mellitus is deemed one of the most significant global health emergencies of the 21st century due to its severe and potentially fatal implications.
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The condition, if left untreated, can lead to a range of complications affecting various organs, including lower limb amputations, vision loss, dental problems, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease.
Of particular concern is the fact that many Nigerians are only diagnosed with diabetes after complications like glaucoma, cataracts, foot ulcers, and strokes have already emerged.
Promoting diabetes education and enhancing access to regular screenings becomes crucial for early detection, particularly among aging individuals or those with a family history of the disease.
DICOMAI’s urgent plea to the government is rooted in the imperative to alleviate the burden on those afflicted by these conditions and to ensure better management and control of non-communicable diseases for a healthier Nigerian populace.
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