Doctors Concerned about Drug Shortages and Rising Costs
Public hospitals across Nigeria are facing a critical shortage of essential drugs, leaving patients to seek medication from more expensive pharmacies. Doctors are expressing concerns over the lack of vital consumables, calling for urgent government intervention in the health sector.
Costs for drugs have surged by over 150%, with power supply expenses also impacting operational expenses for manufacturers. The situation has forced patients to turn to private pharmacies or resort to self-medication due to the unavailability of affordable medication in public health centers.
The rising costs of drugs in hospitals in states like Oyo, Ekiti, and Rivers are pushing residents to seek alternatives for treatment. Pharmacies outside public hospitals are offering drugs at significantly lower prices, prompting patients to opt for external sources.
While the government and health officials are working towards solutions to address the drug shortage and affordability crisis, patients continue to struggle with access to necessary medications.
Written By: Ijeoma Nwanosike (Lagos), Ann Godwin (Port Harcourt), Ayodele Afolabi (Ekiti), Adewale Momoh (Akure), Rotimi Agboluaje (Oyo), Oluwole Ige (Osun), and Azeez Olorunlomeru (Ogun)