Pharmaceutical company May & Baker Nigeria Plc. has called on the Federal Government to introduce more support measures aimed at reducing the cost of hypertension medications and improving access for Nigerians.
The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Patrick Ajah, made the appeal during an interview in Lagos on the sidelines of a health walk organised to mark the 2026 World Hypertension Day themed, “Controlling Hypertension Together.”
Mr Ajah described hypertension treatment as a lifelong commitment, stressing that patients diagnosed with high blood pressure must remain on medication permanently to avoid severe health complications.
According to him, many antihypertensive drugs were originally produced by multinational pharmaceutical firms, making them expensive and increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians due to the current economic situation.
He warned against the common practice of patients discontinuing their medications once they feel better, noting that hypertension differs from illnesses such as malaria that may only require short-term treatment.
Mr Ajah urged the Federal Government to provide more incentives and financial support for local pharmaceutical manufacturers to enable them produce affordable medications for Nigerians.
He explained that locally manufactured drugs could cost between 30 and 40 per cent less than imported brands, thereby improving access to essential medications.
The pharmacist identified high production costs, challenges in accessing raw materials, import clearance charges, electricity costs, and limited funding as major obstacles facing local drug manufacturers.
He, however, acknowledged recent government interventions, including the presidential approval for duty-free importation of pharmaceutical raw materials, which he said had reduced production expenses by about 10 to 15 per cent.
Mr Ajah also commended the Bank of Industry for providing loan facilities to manufacturers at lower interest rates than commercial banks.
He further emphasised the need for Nigeria to strengthen local production of medications used in managing chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.
According to him, patients suffering from both diabetes and hypertension face greater health risks and require regular medical supervision to prevent complications and sudden death.
Mr Ajah attributed the rising cases of hypertension partly to stress-related factors, warning that many complications linked to high blood pressure often develop silently before becoming life-threatening.
He advised Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles and better stress management practices to protect their wellbeing.
The May & Baker boss also called for improved welfare packages for Nigerian doctors to reduce the growing migration of medical professionals abroad and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
NAN/Hauwa M.
