By Rotimi Odofin
The Kogi State Government has been recognized for its dedication to ensuring the availability and accessibility of quality medicines for its citizens.
During a recent working visit to the Kogi State Drugs Management Agency in Lokoja, Pharmacist Mrs. Onokwu Celine, Coordinator of the National Products Supplies Chain Management Programme, commended the state’s efforts in establishing a robust quality control framework aimed at preventing the circulation of counterfeit products.
Mrs. Onokwu also praised the state government for its proactive measures, including the signing of the Drug and Food Administration (DFA) bills into law, which further enhanced the regulatory environment for pharmaceutical products.
Leading a team from the National Products Supplies Chain Management Programme, Mrs. Onokwu emphasized the importance of collaborating with warehouse managers at the state Drugs Management Agency to provide training in Product Master Data Management. She highlighted that effective data management is crucial for improving the visibility and accountability of all pharmaceutical products.
Furthermore, she urged the state government to consider increasing the capital base of the Kogi State Drugs Management Agency and upgrading its warehouses to better accommodate essential products and attract donor support. Mrs. Onokwu also recommended the establishment of a governance system and steering committee to oversee the operations of the Drugs Management Agency.
In response, Pharmacist Ibrahim Salamat Onize, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency, affirmed that the government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, prioritizes the health sector. She acknowledged the significant support provided by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, in advancing the objectives of the Drugs Management Agency.
Phamercist Salamat Ibrahim noted that her agency, in collaboration with other agencies under the Ministry of Health, she emphasized that her agency is effectively managing a robust essential drugs supply chain system within the state. She assured that the anticipated governance structure will be inaugurated promptly, with the support of the Commissioner for Health. Furthermore, she noted that the agency’s needs are receiving appropriate attention from the state government, facilitated by the Commissioner for Health.
The team from the National Products Supplies Chain Management Programme was welcomed in Kogi State on behalf of the Honourable 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
