Healthcare providers to FG: Make BP drugs free for Nigerians

Drugs

Medical experts have called on the Federal Government to make blood pressure medications free and more accessible to Nigerians, warning that the rising cost of treatment is worsening the burden of hypertension across the country.

They noted that many patients are unable to afford essential drugs, a situation contributing to poor disease control and increasing the risk of complications.

The experts stressed that hypertension, which affects about one in three adults in Nigeria, requires lifelong treatment, adding that high drug costs and limited access to care are major barriers to effective management.

They warned that failure to address these challenges could undermine efforts to reduce deaths linked to cardiovascular diseases.

They also urged the government to prioritise universal health coverage, support local drug manufacturing, and implement policies that would make life-saving medications more affordable, particularly for low-income households.

According to the World Health Organisation, hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the blood pressure is too high and reads 140/90 mmHg or higher when checked with a blood pressure cuff, sphygmomanometer.

The WHO further notes that hypertension is common, but about 46 per cent of adults with it are unaware that they have the condition. Punch