In a move to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system and reduce the number of citizens seeking medical treatment abroad, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT). The agreement was signed by Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), during a ceremony held in Kano.
Dr Mukhtar described the partnership as a strategic effort to transform the healthcare sector and ultimately save more lives. He spoke on the urgent need to reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported medical supplies. Currently, the country imports approximately 70 to 80 per cent of its essential medicines, nearly all its vaccines, and 99 per cent of its medical devices, including test kits and bed nets. He stated that the goal is to reverse this trend by 2030, aiming to produce at least 70 per cent of the country’s essential health products domestically. This will involve developing the proper infrastructure, human capital, policies, and research and development capacity across Nigeria.
Professor Hamisu Salihu, Director General of KIRCT, expressed deep gratitude for the agreement. He said it would significantly upgrade the centre’s facilities, allowing it to meet modern medical standards and better serve the public.
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