By Kemi Olatunde

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has launched the maiden edition of the Ondo State Essential Medicines List (ODEML) to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.

Speaking at the event in Akure on Friday, the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, described the initiative as a testament to his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in line with the Efficient Healthcare Delivery and Socio-Economic Welfare policy, which is the first ‘E’ in the administration’s seven-point developmental agenda, “OUR EASE.”

Highlighting the significance of access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines as a fundamental pillar of a well-functioning healthcare system, Aiyedatiwa noted that the introduction of the ODEML for adults and children aims to improve the availability and rational use of essential medicines across all healthcare facilities in the state.

He emphasised that the initiative aligns with both the National Essential Medicines List and global best practices as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to him, the government is promoting the rational use of medicines, improving treatment outcomes, and enhancing overall healthcare efficiency by ensuring that healthcare providers have a standardised, evidence-based reference for prescribing and dispensing medications.

The Governor further stated that the state’s Contributory Healthcare Scheme is pivotal to implementing the Essential Medicines List, providing health insurance coverage and access to quality healthcare services.

He added that the Essential Medicines List would help the government plan, manage, and ensure the regular supply of quality medicines and health commodities to all primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities through the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (ODHCMA). This, he noted, would ultimately improve healthcare service delivery and maintain a sustainable supply chain at regulated prices.

Aiyedatiwa also mentioned that the ultra-modern, pharma-grade warehouse constructed by the state government would provide a secure, climate-controlled environment for efficient storage and ensure the timely distribution of medicines, thereby addressing stock shortages and promoting rational drug use across health facilities.

Commending stakeholders who contributed their expertise and efforts to the project, he assured that the list would serve as a guide for procurement and supply chain management in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across the state.

He further called on partners to support the state in ensuring the consistent availability and affordability of medicines. He urged healthcare professionals to adhere strictly to the guidelines outlined in the Essential Medicines List to ensure the highest standards of patient care and safety. He stated, “Rational prescribing and responsible use of medicines will reduce the burden of disease, minimise resistance to antibiotics, and ultimately improve public health outcomes in our state.”

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of the people, he declared, “We will continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, capacity building, and policy implementation to ensure a robust and sustainable health system in Ondo State.”

In his opening remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, lauded Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to the health sector, noting that he had facilitated the establishment of the first federal teaching hospital in the state. He highlighted the renovation of over 120 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), the upgrade of several secondary healthcare facilities, and the soon-to-be-completed 250-bed teaching hospital as some of the governor’s key achievements in the sector. He assured stakeholders of continued efforts to deliver quality healthcare services to residents.

Chairman of the State Essential Medicines List Committee, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi, in his preface to the list, emphasised that it reflects the commitment and determination of health sector leaders to ensure the availability and affordability of essential medicines tailored to the specific needs of Ondo residents.

Delivering an overview of the SEML, Country Director of Clinton Access Health Initiative (CHAI), Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, stated that CHAI, through the FCDO Uplift project, supported the state in developing and reviewing the concept note, among other efforts. She added that CHAI continues to provide technical assistance to the state through the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services to ensure that the document meets the highest standards. She revealed that the organisation covered all financial costs for the review, development, and validation of the final copy of the SEML.

“With support from the Country Office, the Country Director, and CHAI, financial assistance was provided for printing 500 copies of the SEML and for the dissemination meeting,” she said.

In his goodwill message, the State Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Babalola Taiwo, commended the government’s foresight in implementing the list, stating that it would contribute to the judicious conservation of resources within the health sector while alleviating the burden of polypharmacy on patients.

He remarked, “It will serve as a crucial safeguard against the proliferation of fake and adulterated medicines, protecting our citizens from the nefarious activities of those who seek to exploit the pharmaceutical market.”

Partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), APIN Public Health Initiative, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, and other stakeholders, were well represented at the event.