The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ekiti State has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement import duty and value-added tax (VAT) waivers on drugs and medical consumables to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Nigerians.
This appeal was made in a communiqué issued after the NMA’s 27th annual general meeting. The association also urged the President to enforce the newly increased capitation rates of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and to strengthen the scheme to ensure broader coverage as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.
Speaking to journalists in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend, the newly elected state chairman, Dr. Oreyemi Ifedayo, emphasized that such policy measures would not only reduce the incidence of sudden deaths among Nigerians but also create a more conducive environment for healthcare practitioners.
“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,” Dr. Ifedayo stated. “This will undoubtedly help in preventing sudden deaths among Nigerians. Additionally, efforts must be made to strengthen the NHIA to cover the majority of Nigerians in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage and to ensure the implementation of the newly increased NHIA rates.”
