Medical experts have urged the Federal Government to make blood pressure medications free and widely accessible, warning that the rising cost of treatment is worsening the burden of hypertension in Nigeria. They noted that many patients can no longer afford essential drugs, a development that has led to poor disease management and increased risk of complications.
According to the experts, hypertension affects about one in three Nigerian adults and requires lifelong treatment. However, high medication costs and limited access to healthcare services remain significant barriers to effective control. They cautioned that failure to address these issues could undermine efforts to reduce deaths linked to cardiovascular diseases across the country.
The call was reinforced by global data from the World Health Organisation, which defines hypertension as blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher. The organisation estimates that 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide live with the condition, with nearly half unaware of their status. It further identified risk factors such as ageing, genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Speaking during a medical outreach in Adesan, Mowe, Ogun State, organised by Fluxbridge Healthcare Services, its founder, Olaide Albert, highlighted the impact of economic hardship on access to healthcare. She revealed that many of the over 200 residents screened during the exercise were hypertensive, with some already at critical stages. Albert attributed the trend to financial constraints and stress caused by the current economic situation, noting that some patients recorded dangerously high blood pressure levels.
Other stakeholders at the outreach echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for sustained intervention and improved access to treatment. While beneficiaries commended the initiative for addressing urgent health needs, experts, including the President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, Prof. Simeon Isezuo, called for policies that would reduce drug prices, promote local pharmaceutical production, and expand universal health coverage. They also encouraged individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular check-ups, and support family members living with hypertension to adhere to treatment.
