NBA urges President Tinubu to implement waivers on drug importation

The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to introduce exemptions on import duties and value-added tax (VAT) specifically for medicines and medical supplies.

This plea was communicated directly to the President on Sunday, August 11.

The NMA strongly believes that implementing these measures would significantly enhance the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for all Nigerians, a crucial step especially given the current economic challenges that many individuals are grappling with nationwide.

Following the nationwide protest from August 1 to 10, 2024, the Nigerian government declared a suspension on the importation of food products.

In a statement released after their 27th yearly assembly, the NMA proposed that this benefit should also be applied to medications and other healthcare supplies.

The NMA urged the president to enforce the recently raised capitation rates by the NHIA. They also urged the Federal Government to enhance the program to guarantee wider access for Nigerians towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

While speaking to the press in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti NMA chairman, Oreyemi Ifedayo, highlighted that this move would not only decrease the frequency of unexpected deaths in Nigeria but also establish a better working environment for healthcare professionals nationwide.

Ifedayo stated, “The AGM urges the President to ensure the implementation of import duty and VAT waivers on drugs and medical consumables to make healthcare affordable for Nigerians.

“This will undoubtedly help in preventing sudden deaths among Nigerians. Efforts must also be made not only to strengthen the NHIA to cover the majority of Nigerians in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage but also to ensure the implementation of the newly increased NHIA rates.”