As the World marks World Diabetes Day, Nigerians living with the disease have bemoaned the high price of medication.
A popular medication called Galvusmet which used to cost N7000 is now N37,800. The accu-chek strip used to test blood sugar on glucometer which cost N3000, is now N15,000.
Some pharmacy shops have attributed the exorbitant price of these items to the high inflation rate in Nigeria’s economy.
According to a chief consultant, Chemical Pathologist and Metabolic Physician with the National Eye Centre Kaduna, Dr Shehu Abdulrahman, about six million Nigerians are diabetic.
This is coming just as the National Eye Centre on Tuesday offered free diabetes test to 200 residents.
World Diabetes Day is commemorated on November 14 to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue. This year’s diabetes day has the theme, “Access to Diabetes Care.”
But speaking on the importance of the day, Abdulrahman said researches show that in every 1000 Nigerians, 36 Nigerians have diabetes.
“six million Nigerians are currently suffering from Diabetics. There is another eighth million on pre-diabetes level. Partnership with media will help information sharing and education and multiplicity of information will help.” He said.
Experts estimated that the prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria will rise to 4.3 per cent and attributed the rise to lifestyle changes caused by urbanisation and its results.
