The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria chapter, has expressed concern over the high cost of medicines and medical consumables in some government hospitals in Nigeria. According to IHRC-RFT, many poor Nigerians are unable to afford essential medicines, and some have reportedly lost their lives due to inability to pay for treatment. The organization emphasized that government healthcare should be free or affordable and accessible to poor and vulnerable citizens.
IHRC-RFT's preliminary investigation, which included Imam Wali General Hospital in Kano, revealed reports of inflated prices for certain medical items. A cannula was reportedly costing ₦300 in the hospital, compared to ₦100 outside, while a blood bag was costing ₦2,000, compared to ₦1,700 outside. The organization also reported a ₦4,000 blood-screening charge, although these figures require official verification.
The IHRC-RFT cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 25, which recognizes the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including medical care. Nigeria's Constitution, under Section 17(3)(d), also directs the State towards providing adequate medical and health facilities for all persons. The organization called on the federal government, state governors, and Commissioners for Health to investigate the pricing of medicines and medical consumables in government hospitals.
IHRC-RFT's country director, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, questioned why public funds allocated to healthcare were not being used to benefit citizens. He asked why poor citizens sometimes paid more in government hospitals than in ordinary pharmacies. The organization plans to expand its investigation to other government hospitals nationwide and submit a comprehensive report to the relevant authorities.
The IHRC-RFT emphasized that free or affordable healthcare for the poor is not a luxury, but a public responsibility. The organization urged the government to take immediate action to address the issue and ensure that healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
The high cost of medicines and medical consumables in government hospitals has significant implications for the health and well-being of Nigerians. The IHRC-RFT's investigation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. The organization's findings also underscore the importance of ensuring that government healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all citizens.
The IHRC-RFT's call for investigation and action has sparked renewed debate about the state of healthcare in Nigeria. The organization's findings are expected to inform policy decisions and drive reforms aimed at improving access to healthcare services for all Nigerians. The government has been urged to take concrete steps to address the issue and ensure that healthcare services are delivered in a fair and equitable manner.
Key points
- IHRC-RFT finds high cost of medicines and consumables in Nigerian government hospitals.
- Investigation reveals inflated prices for essential medical items.
- Organization calls for government action to ensure affordable healthcare for all citizens.
