The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in Ekiti State, Dr Babatunde Rosiji, yesterday, decried the high rate of foreign exchange, saying that the development is taking the cost of drugs and medical supplies beyond the reach of the average citizen.
The NMA chairman spoke during a press conference to commemorate the 2023 Physicians’ Week in Ado-Ekiti.
Rosiji said that if the state of affairs in the country continues unchecked, the inevitable might be on the horizon.
His words: “As we all know and can bear witness to, our dear country is passing through a very difficult time and we as citizens bear the brunt. The times are unprecedented! Patients are finding it difficult to present early to the hospitals for economic reasons.
“The exchange rate is making the cost of drugs and medical supplies beyond the reach of the average citizens. Patients on medications for chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes are finding it difficult to access an uninterrupted supply of drugs.
“While health insurance is beginning to take root, the price of drugs in the insurance scheme is out of touch with current realities. If this continues unchecked, your guess is as good as mine”.
