IHRC-RFT Calls for Investigation into High Hospital Costs

The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria chapter, expressed concern regarding the high costs of medicines and medical consumables in government hospitals in Nigeria. Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the country director, highlighted that many impoverished Nigerians are unable to afford essential medications, leading to preventable deaths.

The organization cited specific examples from Imam Wali General Hospital in Kano, where a cannula costs ₦300 compared to ₦100 outside, a blood bag costs ₦2,000 compared to ₦1,700 outside, and a blood-screening charge is reported at ₦4,000. IHRC-RFT called on the federal government, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, state governors, and Commissioners for Health to investigate these pricing issues.

They emphasized that public funds allocated to healthcare should benefit citizens and that affordable healthcare is a public responsibility. The organization plans to expand its investigation to other government hospitals nationwide and submit a comprehensive report to the relevant authorities.