Experts lament costs of diabetes drugs, demand medicines subsidy fund

Experts have decried the high cost of treating diabetes, stating that it has become unaffordable for the overwhelming majority of Nigerians, resulting in a hospitalisation crisis.

This comes as a public strategy and media group, Gatefield, called on President Bola Tinubu to implement a diabetes drug subsidy fund as part of broader efforts to tackle the growing healthcare crisis in Nigeria.

They made this appeal following findings presented on Wednesday at the 2024 Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja, themed “Beyond 65: Preventing the Quiet Epidemic.”

The study, titled “Impact of Inflation on Affordability and Adherence to Anti-Diabetics,” conducted by Gatefield and DGI Consults, revGatefield ealed that exorbitant drug prices are overwhelming patients and straining hospitals, with an increasing number of Nigerians requiring emergency care due to untreated diabetes complications.

According to the study, the average cost of diabetes management in 2024 is about ₦1 million, compared to less than ₦500,000 in 2023.

Presenting the study’s findings, the principal investigator, Gafar Alawode, disclosed that the cost of treating diabetes has become impossible for most Nigerians, leading to a hospitalisation crisis.

“The poorest people now need over 600 per cent of their annual income for basic treatment. We are seeing fewer diabetic patients in clinics and more in emergency rooms,” Alawode said.

Meanwhile, Gatefield urged President Tinubu to introduce subsidies for diabetes medication, proposing sustainable funding through increased sugar taxes.

“WHO recommends that the government impose a minimum 20 per cent tax to help reduce consumption,” said Gatefield’s Advocacy Lead, Shirley Ewang. “We need to incentivise healthier lifestyles while making diabetes medication affordable for all Nigerians. The funds from the sugar-sweetened beverage taxes must be channelled directly into subsidising these drugs.”

The group emphasised the urgency of government action, highlighting that one in every 17 adults in Nigeria has diabetes, with complications affecting various organs if left untreated.

Pharmacist Tobe Oloye noted that the rising cost of medication has severely impacted patients’ health, causing many to skip doses.

“This affects their adherence to treatment, leading to financial strain, missed preventive care, and an increased burden on the healthcare system,” he said.

A nutritionist, Ify Omesiete, stressed the importance of educating families on healthier eating habits.

Dr Asmau Ribadu of the Hope for Her Foundation pointed out that diabetes disproportionately affects women, leading to pregnancy and reproductive health complications.

“We must teach our children proper nutrition from an early age. Prevention starts at home,” Omesiete urged.

Emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach to strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, Dr Nonso Nwaokorie, Principal at Solina Centre for International Development, highlighted the importance of a holistic strategy.

“Effective healthcare requires a three-pronged approach: robust supply chain policies, well-trained healthcare workers, and active community engagement. By equipping healthcare professionals and promoting community involvement, we can bridge the gap between policy and real-world practice,” he said.

Azuka Okeke, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management, underscored the critical role of supply chain management in ensuring accessible primary healthcare.

“State governments must prioritise the procurement and distribution of essential medicines and supplies. Moreover, government support for local pharmaceutical production is crucial to addressing the chronic shortage of essential drugs,” she said.

Dr Biobele Davidson, Managing Director of Strengthening Health Systems at BudgIT, highlighted the importance of tailored care models for chronic diseases and the benefits of digitalisation.

She said, “Improving the quality of primary healthcare requires a comprehensive approach. Investment in care models tailored to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions is essential.

Additionally, digitalisation can empower patients and communities to provide valuable feedback, which can inform policy improvements.”
The crisis was further illustrated during the unveiling of Gatefield’s documentary “The Silent Epidemic: Diabetes in Nigeria,” presented by Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie.

In the documentary, Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared his experience of living with diabetes for 50 years and stressed the importance of early intervention and lifestyle changes, such as a sugar-free diet and regular exercise.

“Watch your weight, be mindful of what and how you eat. When you see yourself gaining too much weight, you know you’re not doing what you’re supposed to,” Obasanjo said.

The documentary revealed shocking statistics about diabetes medication prices, with some treatments now costing up to ₦500,000 monthly. Essential medications, such as Lantus, have seen price hikes of over 100 per cent, rising from ₦10,000 to ₦150,000 per pack.