- Healthcare experts has urged the Federal Government to make hypertension drugs free and accessible nationwide
- The experts blamed the rising cost of medication on poor disease control and increased complications
- The stakeholders urged lifestyle changes, routine checks, and family support systems for patients
Healthcare professionals have called on the Federal Government to make treatment for Hypertension more accessible by providing free blood pressure medications to Nigerians, warning that the rising cost of drugs is worsening the country’s health crisis.
The experts noted that many patients are struggling to afford essential medications, leading to poor disease management and a growing risk of life-threatening complications.
They emphasised that hypertension affects about one in three adults in Nigeria and requires lifelong treatment, making affordability a critical issue.
They cautioned that without urgent intervention, Nigeria’s efforts to reduce deaths linked to cardiovascular diseases could be severely undermined.
The professionals also urged the government to strengthen universal health coverage, support local pharmaceutical production, and implement policies that would make life-saving drugs more affordable, especially for low-income households.
According to the World Health Organization, hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings reach 140/90 mmHg or higher when measured with a sphygmomanometer.
The organisation estimates that about 46 per cent of adults living with the condition are unaware of it.
Globally, about 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 are affected by hypertension, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries.
Risk factors include ageing, genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, excessive salt intake, and alcohol consumption.
Speaking during a medical outreach organised by Fluxbridge Healthcare Services in Adesan, Mowe, Ogun State, the organisation’s founder, Olaide Albert, highlighted the impact of economic hardship on access to healthcare.
“Our correspondent, who was at the outreach, observed that beneficiaries had their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, malaria status, oral hygiene, and other vital signs checked.”
Albert revealed that many Nigerians cannot afford basic healthcare services, contributing to the rising number of hypertension cases.
She noted that out of over 200 residents screened, a significant number were found to have high blood pressure, with some cases already at critical levels.
She said,
“The reason we are carrying out this outreach is that we realised that the majority of Nigerians do not have access to affordable healthcare, and we thought it necessary to support in our little way.
“From the series of screenings we have carried out today, we realised that high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and malaria are the most common illnesses among the residents.
“This can be blamed on the state of the economy, which has continued to put pressure on the people. Some blood pressure readings are as high as 180, which is a time bomb waiting to explode.”
She urged the Federal Government to prioritise access to treatment, adding,
“My appeal to the FG is that, if possible, they should make high blood pressure drugs free for all Nigerians, and to the people, they should prioritise their health by going for routine checks and taking advantage of free medical outreach such as this.”
Also speaking, health support staff member Olusoji Olatidoye said the outreach aimed to provide care for about 250 residents and would continue in the future.
He said, “We are targeting 250 people today, and they will be screened for malaria, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and oral hygiene. So far, the most common condition among those screened is high blood pressure, and we ensure they are given medication and sensitised on what to do.”
Residents who benefited from the programme commended the initiative. One of them, Oladokun Olawoye, noted its impact on community health.
He said, “It is when you are healthy that you can contribute to your community. This outreach has come at the right time. We appreciate the organisers, as it will go a long way in addressing some of the health challenges we face.”
Another beneficiary, Daniel Blessing, said the programme helped him access treatment he could not previously afford.
In a related development, the President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, Professor Simeon Isezuo, warned that the high cost of medication remains a major barrier to controlling hypertension in Nigeria.
He said one in three adults in the country is affected and urged healthcare providers to prioritise affordable and effective treatment options. He also called on the government to reduce drug prices and encourage local manufacturing.
“In the long term, local manufacturers of medicines should be encouraged and the government at all levels should prioritise universal health coverage,” he said.
Isezuo further encouraged support from the private sector, philanthropists, and religious organisations to help vulnerable individuals access treatment and health insurance.
He added that hypertension can run in families and advised Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular exercise, and routine blood pressure checks.
He also recommended that households support affected members in adhering to treatment and consider owning blood pressure monitors for regular monitoring.