By Rotimi Odofin
The Kogi State Government has received commendation for its commitment to ensuring the availability and accessibility of quality medicines for its citizens.
During a recent working visit to the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency in Lokoja, a representative of the Honorable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Pharm. Mrs. Onokwu Celine, who serves as the Coordinator of the National Products Supply Chain Management Programme, praised the state’s initiative in establishing a robust quality control laboratory unit within the Agency. This unit is a pioneering effort aimed at conducting quality assurance tests for all pharmaceutical products received in the state, thereby preventing the circulation of counterfeit products.
Mrs. Onokwu also lauded the state government for its proactive measures, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the state and Pharmaceutical Companies to strengthen supply chain management thereby making drugs available and accessible for the residence of the state. She encouraged the state to participate in the pool procurement initiative approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare during the National Council of Health meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, in 2024. This initiative aims to promote cost-effectiveness, wider coverage, affordability, and timely delivery of medical supplies.
Leading a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Onokwu emphasized the importance of collaboration with warehouse managers at the State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency to provide training in Product Master Data Management for M-Supply software management. She underscored that effective data management is essential for enhancing the visibility and accountability of all pharmaceutical products, noting that Kogi State is one of eight states selected for this intervention
She urged the state government to increase the funding for the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency expecially for the procurement of drugs and other medical supplies. She also suggested upgrading its warehouses to better store essential products and Public health commodities to attract support from donors. Mrs. Onokwu recommended creating a governance structure to oversee the operations of the Drugs Management Agency (DMA).
While praising the state government for providing vehicles for launching the Last Mile Delivery of drugs to all government hospitals, she also advocated for more vehicles to be provided for a wider coverage supply within a short time.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the Commissioner for Health, was represented by Hajia Abubakar Aishat Lami, the Director of Administration in the Ministry. She reiterated the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to make the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency a key distribution and manufacturing center in Nigeria.
In response, Pharm Ibrahim Salamat Onize, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency, confirmed that the government, under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, prioritizes the health sector. She acknowledged the important support provided by Commissioner Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza in advancing the agency’s goals.
Pharm Salamat Ibrahim noted that her agency is working closely with other agencies under the Ministry of Health. She emphasized that they are effectively managing a strong supply chain for essential drugs in the state. She assured that the new governance structure will be set up soon and that plans are in place to address the areas highlighted by the N.C. of NPSCMP. She mentioned that the agency’s needs are receiving the necessary attention from the state government.facilitated by the Commissioner for Health.
The team from the National Products Supplies Chain Management Program was welcomed in Kogi State on behalf of the Honorable Commissioner for Health and the Ministry’s management by the Director of Administration, Mrs Abubakar Aishat Lami
Mr. Rotimi Odofin
Information Officer
Ministry of Health
Kogi State
