Healthcare Crises: Establish Diabetes Drug Subsidy Fund, Gatefield Urges FG

Gatefield has called on the Federal Government to establish a Diabetes Medicines Subsidy Fund, as hospitals in Nigeria struggle to manage the growing number of emergencies stemming from untreated diabetes.

This appeal was made at the close of the Gatefield Health Summit 2024, held in Abuja, which brought together experts to address the rising healthcare crisis.

A report presented at the summit, titled “Impact of Inflation on Affordability and Adherence to Anti-diabetics,” revealed that the cost of managing diabetes in Nigeria has almost doubled in 2024, reaching an estimated one million naira per patient annually. This steep rise has left many Nigerians unable to afford life-saving medications, contributing to a significant increase in emergency cases related to uncontrolled diabetes.

Lead investigator, Dr. Gafar Alawode explained that the growing financial burden is pushing hospitals to their limits. “Many of the poorest Nigerians now need over 600 per cent of their annual income to manage diabetes, leading to fewer patients in outpatient clinics and more in emergency rooms,” Alawode said.

Gatefield’s advocacy lead, Shirley Ewang stressed the need for immediate government intervention. She proposed the establishment of a diabetes drug subsidy, funded through taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. Ewang pointed out that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a minimum 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks, which could serve a dual purpose: reducing consumption and providing much-needed funds for health initiatives like the proposed subsidy.

During the summit, a documentary titled The Silent Epidemic: Diabetes in Nigeria was unveiled, featuring former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who shared his personal battle with the disease. Obasanjo urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, highlighting the importance of diet and exercise in diabetes management.

With diabetes medications such as Lantus now costing as much as 150,000 naira per pack, many Nigerians are unable to keep up with their prescriptions, leading to poor adherence and worsening health outcomes. Experts at the summit warned that without urgent action, the situation could spiral into a full-blown public health crisis. Pharm. Tobe Oloye, one of the panelists, underscored the dangers of skipping doses due to financial strain, stating, “This has significantly increased the burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.”

Other speakers, such as nutritionist, Ms. Ify Omesiete and Dr. Asmau Ribadu from the Hope for Her Foundation, also highlighted the disproportionate impact of diabetes on women, particularly during pregnancy. They stressed the importance of early prevention efforts within households, starting with public education on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

The 2024 Gatefield Health Summit gathered global health leaders to discuss strategies for tackling non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, focusing on policy reforms, primary healthcare, and environmental factors critical to controlling these diseases.