FG operationalises Medipool as National GPO to lower medicine costs
Federal Government signs MOU to operationalise Medipool as Nigeria's National Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO), coordinating bulk medicine purchases to reduce costs and improve access. According to Federal Ministry of Health, Medipool will negotiate lower prices, strengthen supply chain transparency, and support national health priorities including Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and Presidential Healthcare Initiative. Coordinating Minister Muhammad Ali Pate described it as strategic shift in medicine procurement, leveraging government's buying power to lower out-of-pocket expenses. Initiative aligns with June 2024 Executive Order removing tariffs on imported pharmaceutical raw materials to boost local manufacturing. Medipool will initially operate through Basic Health Care Provision Fund and federal hospitals, with plans to expand nationwide.