The executive secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency, Pharmacist Ibrahim Salamat Onize, has disclosed that the agency is engaging 15 pharmaceutical manufacturers to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for pooled procurement through the Africa Research Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM).
The ES, who made this known during the inauguration of the Drugs Sustainable Supply System Steering Committee, stressed that the MoU will ensure the availability of drugs and medical consumables with a 25 per cent price reduction and assured quality for distribution to all state health facilities.
“Plans are underway to register pharmaceutical distributors with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to partner with the state government, potentially increasing local economic participation and generating revenue through pre-qualification registrations, tender payments, and BPP registration fees via KGIRS.
“The agency plans to equip and ensure a functional quality control laboratory with government support. Drug testing will attract charges from manufacturers/distributors, boosting state revenue. A quality control unit focuses on ensuring high-quality drugs and consumables, building trust and potentially increasing demand from government hospitals, pharmacy outlets, and private hospitals, leading to increased revenue generation.
“The agency has engaged in capacity assessment and sensitisation workshops with various partners, including the National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP), Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Health System Chain Limited (HSCL), Engender Health, and others, to address healthcare needs. Availability of logistics and inventory tools will enhance service delivery.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, while speaking on behalf of the executive Governor of the state, urged the committee members to uphold integrity and diligence in their roles, emphasizing that their appointments represent a significant commitment to serving the people of Kogi State.
Dr. Adeiza highlighted that the formation of the Sustainable Supply System Steering Committee reflects Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration’s dedication to advancing and developing the state’s health sector.
He noted that the administration has made substantial investments to prioritise health in its governance agenda.
The Commissioner further explained that the Integrated Sustainable Health Supply System Steering (ISHSS) Committee is essential for strengthening the agency’s governance structure.
This committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Health, with the director of Pharmaceutical Services from the State Ministry of Health serving as Secretary.
It will also include representatives from relevant agencies, boards, other ministries, and key stakeholders.
