Mother’s Cry Over Escalating Drug Prices Triggers Concerns

By Rachel Akper

A viral video of a Nigerian mother crying and pleading for help over the high cost of medication for her child has sparked fresh public concern about healthcare affordability in the country.

In the video circulating on social media, the woman was seen emotionally appealing to First Lady Remi Tinubu and Seyi Tinubu to intervene and help reduce the cost of children’s medications in Nigeria. She lamented that the cost of treatment has become overwhelming for many families, saying even basic medications are becoming difficult to afford.

The video has continued to generate reactions from Nigerians who say the rising cost of healthcare is putting pressure on families, especially those caring for children who require regular medical treatment.

A price check conducted by a reporter Miss Rachel from Unfiltered Reporting showed that Actrapid HM insulin, sold at Healthy Plus Pharmacy, was priced at ₦24,190, while the same drug was available for ₦24,000 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi pharmacy. Healthy Plus is a private pharmacy located in Abuja.

Also, Aripiprazole Sandoz, a medication used for managing certain neurological and behavioral health conditions, was priced at ₦38,200 at Hubpharm Pharmacy.

The findings have renewed discussions about the cost of essential medicines in Nigeria, with many citizens calling on the federal government to pay closer attention to drug pricing.

Nigerians are particularly urging public hospitals to maintain significantly lower drug prices compared to private pharmacies to support vulnerable families.

Citizens are also calling on the Minister of Health Professor Muhammad Ali Pate to explore measures that could make essential drugs more affordable and improve access to healthcare services for children and other vulnerable groups across the country.

The viral video continues to circulate widely, reflecting growing public anxiety over healthcare costs amid the country’s current economic challenges.