Bashir Opaluwa Idris
Kogi State Government says plans are on for the establishment of a state-owned pharmaceutical outfit for the production of essential drugs and consumables needed in the state.
Executive Secretary of the State Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency, (KSDMSMA) Pharm. Mahmud Ozigi made this known during the agency’s last quarter drugs and medical consumables distribution exercise held at the Central Medical store, Lokoja.
Pharm. Ozigi said the establishment of the Pharmaceutical company will provide job opportunities and enhance internally generated revenue for the government while enhancing drug supply in the state.
While emphasising the need to decentralize drugs and medical supply in the state, Pharmacist Ozigi noted that plans are already underway to have over sixty companies duly registered in Kogi State with the Bureau of Public Procurement doing business with the State Government.
He appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello for his achievement in drug procurement and distribution, saying the establishment of the agency has improved healthcare delivery in the state by making drugs available to health facilities.
According to him, upon assumption of duty as the pioneer Executive Secretary, the Agency has successfully keyed into the activities of the National Product Supply Chain Management Program under the Federal Ministry of Health.
Pharm. Ozigi appealed to the State Government to inject more funds and provide operational vehicles for the Agency for optimum productivity.
While assuring that the drugs will get to the targeted populace, Pharmacist Ozigi stressed that the Agency’s monitoring and evaluation team will arrest and prosecute any individual who sabotages the efforts of government in providing good medical services to the people.
