By Kemi Olatunde

To ensure the availability of quality drugs and strengthen health facilities in Ondo State, all secondary health facilities will henceforth patronise the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (ODHCMA).

The Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, gave this assurance during a courtesy visit to the management of ODHCMA in Akure on Monday.

According to him, well-preserved and high-quality drugs are available at the agency, noting that the board would prioritise drug procurement and distribution in secondary health facilities.

He said: “Effective and efficient drugs can be obtained from the agency. Hence, there is a need to strengthen our secondary care level. By collaborating with the agency, in line with the law, we will ensure that all facilities purchase drugs from your agency.”

Dr Fasoranti emphasised the need for a symbiotic relationship between HMB and ODHCMA, commending the management for its commendable operations, particularly the establishment of a pharmagrade system to ensure drug availability and security, among other benefits.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of ODHCMA, Pharm. Amos Ayegbusi, explained that the agency was established to improve access to essential drugs and health commodities, in line with the present administration’s policy to provide effective healthcare services in the state.

He noted that a resolution from the 63rd National Council on Health meeting in December 2022 mandated each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, to establish a drugs and medical supplies management agency. He added that Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8 focuses on achieving universal health coverage and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

While highlighting that lack of access to essential medicines remains a serious health challenge, Ayegbusi revealed an ongoing upgrade of the central medical store to pharmagrade standards. He noted that the supply of drugs and health commodities comes from reputable and registered vendors capable of delivering a wide range of high-quality products.

He said the government is committed to ensuring the agency becomes a hub for quality assurance, price control, and availability.

Ayegbusi disclosed that over 60 per cent coverage of essential medicines in health facilities had been achieved, with drugs and health commodities worth over ₦200 million supplied in the last three months.

Describing HMB as a vital partner in fulfilling the agency’s mandate of ensuring the availability of drugs and health commodities in health facilities, he announced that the pharmagrade system, soon to be commissioned, would ensure drug security through proper storage practices.

He praised Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his dedication to the agency, noting that the governor had paid the counterpart funding required to establish a centralised drug hub in the state.

Ayegbusi stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to fulfil the law and provide quality drugs to health facilities in the state. He assured the agency’s readiness to work with HMB to achieve this goal.

Ayegbusi, alongside some members of the agency’s management, had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the board, where they sought support for increased drug patronage.

Other board members, including Pharm. Taiwo Adefurin, Nurse Patience Arinola Adamolekun, Dr Rotimi Wilson, and the Permanent Secretary of HMB, Dr Ayodele Ojo, were also present at the events.