Hypertension Patients Laud Kano Govt Over Drug Subsidy, Seek Higher NCD Budget
By Ayeeshat J Ahmad and Michael Musa
The Association of People Living with Hypertension in Kano State has commended the state government for subsidising hypertension drugs but urged authorities to increase budgetary allocation for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The call was made during an engagement meeting between the association and key stakeholders to develop a roadmap for the prompt release of NCD and hypertension funds for 2026.
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In his welcome address, the President of the Association of People Living with Hypertension (APLWH) Kano, Alhaji Shehu Ishaq , emphasised the urgent need for the prompt release of appropriated funds to ensure that planned activities are implemented without delay.
He noted that while the subsidy on hypertension drugs has brought relief to many patients, more funding is needed to address the rising cases of hypertension and related complications across the state.
The Deputy NCD Coordinator, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Inusa, commended participants for their contributions and assured them that issues discussed would be communicated to the unit coordinator for necessary action.
He explained that challenges causing delays in fund releases — including project codes, economic codes and administrative bottlenecks — would be reviewed to ensure corrections are made.
During the deliberations, the Director of Budget at the Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget, Yakubu A. Sabiu, disclosed that ₦500 million has been earmarked for NCD interventions in the 2026 fiscal year.
He said the allocation would support prevention, treatment and management programmes targeting hypertension and other non-communicable diseases statewide.
Sabiu also revealed that the Ministry of Health has allocated ₦20 million in the 2026 budget for NCD awareness creation through the Ministry of Information.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among sister ministries such as Environment and Agriculture, noting that health outcomes are influenced by multiple sectors beyond ministry of health alone.
The meeting, held in Gyadi Gyadi supported by the GAMMUN Centre for Care and Development Nigeria, which brought together Officials from the Kano State Ministry of health NCD Unit,Ministry of Planning and Budget, the Ministry of Finance, Media Professionals and health advocates to strategies on the timely release and effective utilisation of funds allocated for NCDs in the 2026 fiscal year.