The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to accelerate local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits….
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to accelerate local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits.
This is part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, reduce reliance on imports and expand access to affordable diagnostic services.
At a strategic review meeting in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Troment Biotechnology Limited to assess progress on establishing a local manufacturing facility for RDT kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs).
The proposed facility will produce diagnostic kits for malaria, tuberculosis and other priority diseases.
Prof. Pate said the government was committed to removing bottlenecks delaying the project, describing local production of diagnostic kits as both an economic priority and a health security necessity.
He directed the immediate processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee (APG) Agreement and instructed the Ministry’s legal and technical teams to work with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, NASENI and Troment Biotechnology Limited to conclude all outstanding legal and administrative processes.
The minister also ordered regular implementation reviews to ensure the project is delivered on schedule.
According to Pate, expanding domestic manufacturing of essential health commodities is a key component of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that local production of diagnostic kits will strengthen health security, improve access to affordable testing, stimulate industrial growth and create skilled jobs.
The initiative forms part of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, a Federal Government programme designed to boost local production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices and diagnostics while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for healthcare manufacturing.
