Dr Hassan Garba, chief medical director (CMD) of Phalycon Clinic in Bauchi, has attributed the rising costs of consumables and drugs as a major factor behind high medical bills and healthcare service charges.
The private medical practitioner expressed concern that the surge in prices was significantly impacting health financing and access to care.
He noted that access to treatments and essential medicines had become a barrier to achieving universal health coverage.
Garba said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Tuesday
According to him, the Federal Government should prioritise tax reforms in the health sector to improve outcomes.
“Medical services are available, but the cost of care is depriving people of access. The rising prices of consumables and drugs are affecting health outcomes.
“If the Federal Government removes taxes on health-related items, it will lead to better health outcomes in Nigeria,” Garba added.
Also, some residents of Bauchi metropolis shared their concerns.
Alhaji Inuwa Fada, a resident, said that treating malaria costs around N3,000, even without any laboratory tests.
“We often have malaria, and each time, you spend about N3,000 just on treatment. This is malaria season in the state due to the rains,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Bala Musa, similarly noted that while services were available at health facilities, the cost of drugs remained a major concern.
He commended the Bauchi State Government’s drug revolving fund initiative but urged more investment to meet the needs of the growing population.
(NAN)
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