AWC MDA Desk, February 2O26
…to boost access to essential medicines nationwide
Abuja, Nigeria — February 16, 2026 — The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operationalise Medipool as Nigeria’s National Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO), marking a decisive step to lower the cost of medicines, improve supply-chain efficiency, and expand access to quality health commodities.
Approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2025, Medipool is structured to aggregate demand for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies across public and private health facilities, enabling bulk purchasing, stronger price negotiation, and enhanced quality assurance nationwide.
The move is expected to deliver immediate cost savings while tightening transparency across the health supply chain.
Speaking at the signing, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the initiative represents a strategic shift in procurement and delivery of essential medicines, noting that pooled demand and support for local manufacturing will reduce prices, widen access, and strengthen system resilience for Nigerians.
The agreement aligns with flagship national programmes, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), and the National Health Supply Chain Transformation Plan.
It also advances Nigeria’s goal of increasing local pharmaceutical production to meet a significant share of domestic demand.
Senior stakeholders across the health reform ecosystem were present, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, PVAC, and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office, underscoring whole-of-government alignment to improve affordability, availability, and sustainability of essential medicines.
With Medipool now operational, authorities say Nigerians should expect a more resilient, transparent, and cost-efficient healthcare system that delivers better health outcomes and stronger financial protection.
