In the bustling heart of Lagos, 58-year-old Emeka Joshua, a retired teacher, stands at the counter of a local pharmacy.
With a furrowed brow, he hesitates before reluctantly handing over. N800 more for a routine pain medication.
Since 2022, the cost of pain medicines in Nigeria has surged by over 200%, placing a significant burden on the shoulders of ordinary Nigerians.
Amidst an economy grappling with soaring inflation and a depreciating currency, this increase is more than just a statistic. It is a daily challenge affecting the health and finances of countless individuals.
Inflation
In March 2024, the already strained pockets of Nigerian consumers faced yet another challenge as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported an alarming inflation rate of 33.2%.
In 2022, the US Dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate saw fluctuations, averaging around 445.42 Naira per US Dollar in December. The monthly rates peaked at 448.84 and dipped to a low of 443.83 during the same period.
The current average exchange rate hovers around 1147.029 Naira per US Dollar (April 2024), marking a staggering 158% increase from the rates observed in 2022.
Naijaonpoint has put together a comprehensive comparison of over-the-counter pain medication prices, detailing the changes between 2022 and 2024.
A pharmacist who spoke to Naijaonpoint under the condition of anonymity highlighted that the escalating prices of medications have significantly affected pharmacy sales.
“Regarding changes in consumer behaviour, people are opting for less expensive options if available. When specific medications are necessary, they purchase them in smaller amounts,” the pharmacist explained.
One customer shared with Naijaonpoint his strategy of enduring pain to minimise medication costs, resorting to painkillers only when absolutely necessary.
“I try to manage the pain before deciding to buy medicines,” he said.
Healthcare professionals have expressed concerns that rising costs are severely impacting medication adherence.
“This leads to misuse,” noted one health worker. “Most patients take a single dose and then try to see how long they can last before the pain forces them to take another.”
“This leads to misuse,” noted one health worker. “Most patients take a single dose and then try to see how long they can last before the pain forces them to take another.”
To combat the financial strain of these price increases, another health worker suggested practical steps for consumers:
With an optimistic outlook, some healthcare professionals hope for stabilisation in medication prices. “If the naira strengthens and inflation rate begins to decrease, we expect the cost of medicines to reduce as well,” they commented.