On Thursday, the Minister of Health Dr. Isaac Adewole officially added Amoxicillin and Zinc to the list of drugs on the Essential Medicines List (EML). The two drugs are currently used in the treatment of childhood diseases. According to the revised EML made available to Vigil360, the Amoxicillin dispersible tablets will be used for the treatment of Pneumonia while Zinc Lowosmolarity Oral Rehydration will be used for the treatment of diarrhoea.

The Nigerian Senate has raised alarm over the continued sale and consumption of over 42 Anti-malaria drugs that have been banned in Europe and other countries. On Tuesday, Sen. T. Orji who raised a motion on the matter lamented that the delay or outright refusal by the Ministry of Health to enforce similar ban in the country was exposing Nigerians to grave danger.

The suspended Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf has rejected his suspension and vowed to remain in office. On July 6, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole had directed Prof. Yusuf to proceed on three months suspension to pave way for an independent investigation following allegations of corruption preferred against him. To give effect to the directive, the Minister appointed Mallam Attahiru Ibrahim as the new Executive Secretary of NHIS.