Iran-US war may raise cost of medicines — Pharmacist

The immediate past vice chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, Olumide Obube, has stated that the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States could disrupt global pharmaceutical supply chains and drive up the cost of medicines in Nigeria and other import-dependent countries.

The expert explained that many essential medicines and pharmaceutical raw materials used in Nigeria are imported from countries such as India and China, often transported through Middle Eastern transit hubs.

On February 28, Israel and the United States of America began a series of strikes against Iran over the latter’s nuclear and ballistic missiles program.

Reports show that the war is disrupting global shipping, impacting oil, fertilisers, and plastics, with a jump in oil prices to $84 per barrel from below $70 days before the airstrikes began.

However, the ongoing hostilities have begun disrupting key shipping and air-cargo routes, raising freight costs and slowing the movement of medical supplies worldwide.

But speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, Obube warned that if the conflict persists, supply chain disruptions could lead to medicine shortages and significant price increases for critical drugs.

“The Middle East is a major hub for global energy and shipping routes. Military tensions threaten strategic corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial proportion of global oil trade passes.

“Disruptions in these routes can trigger global supply chain interruptions, affecting pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. In fact, early reports already indicate medicine shortages in several countries due to supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict.

“For Nigeria, and other developing countries that rely heavily on imported medicines, the implications could be severe, including a price surge for essential medicines,” he said.

The pharmacists noted that medicines for hypertension and antibiotics could be affected.

“Many African countries depend heavily on imported pharmaceuticals from global supply chains that pass through conflict-sensitive regions. Supply disruptions could lead to shortages of antihypertensives, antibiotics, vaccines, and antiretroviral medicines,” he said.

Market surveys conducted by The PUNCH indicate that medicine prices have risen substantially over the past few years, increasing the financial burden on patients.

Between mid-2024 and mid-2025, the cost of several commonly prescribed medicines rose by between roughly one-third and double their previous prices, with only a limited number recording reductions.

For chronic disease patients, insulin prices increased from about N14,000 to N18,000, while glucometers rose from approximately N20,500 to N29,000. Common hypertension medications such as metformin and amlodipine also recorded notable increases.

Antimalarial drugs similarly became more expensive, with some brands nearly doubling in price within the period under review.

Speaking further, Obube urged the Federal Government to strengthen local drug manufacturing and build strategic medicine reserves to cushion the impact.

To protect against global health shocks arising from geopolitical conflicts, he advised the FG to adopt proactive strategies.

“Nigeria and other African countries should expand domestic drug manufacturing capacity to reduce dependence on global supply chains. Institutions such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention should be empowered to coordinate continent-wide emergency health responses.

“Regional stockpiles of vaccines, antibiotics, and essential medicines can ensure continuity of healthcare delivery during global crises. African governments should prioritize health security infrastructure, including laboratory capacity, epidemic surveillance systems, and emergency response teams,” he said.