By Kemi Olatunde

In order to meet the health needs of residents and improve access to medication, the Ondo State Government has partnered with local drug manufacturers.

It has also been mandated that these companies be patronised.

The State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, disclosed this in his remarks at the Pharmacy Week and the 2024 World Pharmacists Day in Akure on Wednesday.

According to him, interested industries are welcome to participate, noting that his administration would continue to strengthen and support the health sector for the benefit of both the health and wealth of the state.

While applauding the support of the group, the Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, revealed that the request for the entry of pharmacists into the public service is under serious consideration. He added that efforts are underway to ensure the smooth running of the Pharmacy College at UNIMED.

He called on the group to submit exclusive proposals that would facilitate the establishment of manufacturing companies in the state.

Ondo State Chairman, PSN, Pharm. Babalola Taiwo, stressed the need for a benchmark in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

According to him, a basis for evaluation must be established, noting that the healthcare systems of developed countries should be studied to bring about improvements in the sector.

Commenting on the theme “Meeting Global Health Needs,” he explained that it involves strengthening the healthcare system, improving access to quality and affordable care, and addressing health inequalities, among other issues.

While lamenting the high rate of health professionals leaving Nigeria, he noted that it is important for the government to embrace equity, fairness, and justice in the sector. He called for prompt representation of health professionals in government decision-making.

He noted that the lack of stable government policies, commitment to healthcare delivery, and political will to enforce laws and regulations hinder progress in the sector.

He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his efforts, especially the recent launch of the informal sector health insurance scheme (ORANGHIS), which aims to achieve universal health coverage.

He explained that the Federation of International Pharmacists (FIP), in alignment with global initiatives, has designated World Pharmacists Day to focus on specific goals to advance the profession.

Taiwo, who stated that pharmacists play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, noted that about 2,000 pharmacists have left the country in the last three years. He called on the government to support members by making funds available to establish a pharmaceutical company in the country. He also urged the government to commit at least 15 percent of the budget to the sector, as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Assuring members of the PSN’s commitment to collaborating with healthcare professionals, communities, and the government, he called for increased cooperation among professionals in the health sector to improve the health status of the state’s residents.

Board Chairman, Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, while describing pharmacists as the first line of healthcare in Nigeria, assured that the board would work tirelessly to meet residents’ health needs.

Permanent Secretary, HMB, Dr. Ayodele Adiji, while congratulating members, stressed the need for teamwork among health professionals to improve the sector.

Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Drug Management and Health Commodities Agency, Pharm. Amos Aiyegbusi, called for PSN’s support for the agency.

The week-long event features medical outreach to communities in the state, career talks in secondary schools, an exhibition of products by some pharmaceutical companies, as well as a meeting between the state Drug Management Agency and some pharmaceutical companies, among other activities.