Search for a command to run...
Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are major non-communicable diseases associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and long-term economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Medication costs remain a critical determinant of access, adherence, and therapeutic outcomes. This study assessed the cost variation, availability, and affordability of commonly prescribed antihypertensive and antidiabetic medicines in selected states of North-Central Nigeria, comparing generic, branded, and international reference prices.A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted across 40 registered pharmacy premises using a pretested, structured questionnaire and a price-collection tool. Researchers analysed medicine prices for generic and branded products and derived international reference prices from the International Medical Products Price Guide and National Health Insurance Scheme price lists. They analysed the data using IBM SPSS version 20 and presented the results as means, standard deviations, and comparative ratios.Antihypertensive medicines were more widely available than antidiabetic medicines across pharmacy premises (p < 0.05). Branded antihypertensive medicines consistently had higher unit prices than their generic equivalents, while several international reference prices exceeded both local generic and branded prices, reflecting exchange rate volatility. For oral antidiabetic medicines, price differences between branded and generic products were minimal; however, branded insulin preparations were substantially more expensive than generic and international reference prices.Significant cost variation exists among antihypertensive and antidiabetic medicines in North-Central Nigeria. While generic antihypertensives offer more affordable options, high prices of branded products—particularly insulin—pose challenges to sustained access and adherence. Policy measures promoting generic substitution, price regulation, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing are essential to improve affordability and health outcomes.