Plateau gov unveils agency for drug availability, launches ambulance services
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has commissioned the multi million Naira pharma grade warehouse of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) and also flagged-off the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS) in Jos on Tuesday,
Minister of Health, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, who spoke on the occasion expressed the commitment of the Federal Government in making healthcare available to the people, especially in the availability of drugs and medicaments.
Pate described an efficient and effective supply chain as the foundation of a strong healthcare system, and the ability to store, manage, and distribute public health commodities reliably and swiftly can be the difference between life and death.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Daju Kacholom, said that Plateau state stood out in this supply chain, considering this is the first of all the pharma-grade warehouses to be commissioned in the country.Pate said that the dream of such a drug warehouse started with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Ministry of Health and Plateau state government, with the objective, which was for parties to collaborate towards establishing a government-led supply chain
He said, “We need to recognize the huge commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope agenda of the health sector through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
“This is by strengthening our health system and improving population indices by recognizing the missing link of our healthcare delivery systems.
“We need to invest huge amounts of resources and capital to improve health care delivery and improve the lives of our people. He said that the major aim of the project is to make drugs available to the rural areas and the entire state.Plateau state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the event as a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Plateau citizens.
He said, “My administration places a high value on access to quality and affordable healthcare, in view of its crucial role in enhancing the lives and living standards of our people.
“This new Pharma-Grade Warehouse will serve as a cornerstone of our efforts to build a sustainable healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and vaccines across all 17 Local Government Areas, especially where they are most needed.
“As we commission this state-of-the-art facility, we also open a new chapter in our pursuit of a more resilient, accessible, and responsive healthcare system.
“This warehouse, equipped with modern technology and designed to global standards, includes a cold room that maintains temperatures below -80°C, a modern forklift capable of reaching heights of 3.5 meters, pallets for efficient movement of supplies, a mini-quality control laboratory for preliminary pharmaceutical assessments, and a drug information center to monitor adverse drug reactions and combat counterfeit medicines.
“This facility will enable us to manage and distribute pharmaceutical supplies more effectively across the state, addressing the challenges of supply chain management and ensuring timely healthcare delivery to every corner of Plateau State.
“The governor said he was particularly excited about the potential of this agency to support local pharmaceutical production, adding that. the unveiling of five locally manufactured products is commendable, and promised that his administration will provide all necessary support as the agency liaises with NAFDAC to ensure sustainability.
