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Ondo Health Commissioner urges patronage of state-owned drug agency

By Kemi Olatunde

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Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, has urged health facilities across the state to make use of the Ondo State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (ODHCMA) to support drug security and prevent shortages.

Dr. Ajaka made this call during an on-site inspection of the Pharma Grade facility, which he highlighted as a critical resource for meeting the health needs of the state’s residents.

“It is crucial that hospitals provide the necessary drugs to patients, and the Pharma Grade has been established to meet these needs,” he said.

“The Pharma Grade store, which was previously the central medical store, has been upgraded with support from the Global Fund and the State Government. It is now one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country, particularly in the South West.”

“We are already bringing in materials such as drugs and medical supplies. The facility includes cold chain compartments, essential drugs, and other health commodities. These supplies are to be stored here and distributed to hospitals throughout the state.”

Dr. Ajaka stressed that, according to the state’s Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency law, every hospital in the state is required to source the necessary drugs and health commodities from the Pharma Grade.

He expressed appreciation for the support of the Federal Government and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who provided counterpart funding, and assured residents of continuous availability and security of drugs.

“Previously, the operationalisation of the Agency law began some time ago. Drugs must come from primary manufacturers or sole importers, ensuring that they are affordable and of high quality,” Dr. Ajaka noted.

He added, “All hospitals must comply with this law, as there are consequences for non-compliance. We are still educating people on the law.”

Pharm. Amos Ayegbusi, Executive Secretary of ODHCMA, also spoke with The Hope, commending Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to the Pharma Grade, which he believes will improve drug security and enhance the storage of health commodities.

“The Pharma Grade facility ensures the integrity of the drugs, as the temperature-controlled storage is ideal for maintaining the quality of the medicines,” he said. “We can confidently vouch for the quality of the drugs in the warehouse, as they come directly from the manufacturers. This facility also opens the door for further partnerships with other health organisations. It is spacious enough for essential medicines and public health commodities.”

Pharm. Ayegbusi also thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his investment in the project and called for the provision of delivery vans to ensure the timely distribution of drugs and health commodities.

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