AfriPulse
TOYIN ADEBAYO
The Federal Government has launched a maiden digital procurement model for essential medicines in federal tertiary hospitals, aimed at tackling the persistent “out-of-stock syndrome” that undermines healthcare delivery across the country.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, made the disclosure at the official unveiling of the initiative on Thursday in Abuja, stressing that drugs remain the exclusive prerogative of the Federal Government under the law.
“We all know how essential drugs are. We all know how sensitive the issue of medication is. Health is on the concurrent list, but drugs are not. Drugs, or medication, are strictly a Federal Government responsibility,” Kachollom said. “That is why states cannot independently create essential drug lists without aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health. Only the Federal Government has the authority to determine a national essential medicine list, which serves as policy for the country.”
Kachollom explained that the digital inventory consignment model would ensure availability and affordability of essential medicines, strengthen hospital service delivery, identify supply chain gaps, and promote stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
She emphasized that the project aligns with the National Strategy for Supply Chain Management of Essential Drugs as approved by the Federal Government.
She noted that the Department of Hospital Services was working in synergy with the Department of Food and Drugs, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to drive the reform.
“The conversation we are having today is a family conversation to ensure that everything is in line with national strategy. Without the Department of Food and Drugs signing off on it, it cannot work. But together, it can be done,” she said.
Director of Hospital Services at the ministry, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, described the initiative as a game changer, saying it would address one of the most pressing complaints of patients in public hospitals.
“You will agree with me that one of the major challenges in our healthcare system is out-of-stock syndrome. Patients complain bitterly when essential medicines are unavailable. This digital model will not only improve availability but also help bring down the cost of drugs,” Salaudeen said.
He noted that the ministry had recently upgraded the National Essential Medicines List, adding that the digitalized consignment system would guarantee real-time monitoring of stock levels, prevent shortages, and support future plans for nationwide interoperability in healthcare delivery.
With this reform, the Federal Government says it is confident that patients across Nigeria will soon experience more reliable access to affordable essential medicines, thereby restoring trust in the nation’s health system.
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Toyin Adebayo
Toyin Adebayo is dedicated professional with over a decade experience of covering news and current events.
My background lies in gathering and analyzing facts about newsworthy events through stories, features, interview, investigation, and observation. My reports have featured in many National Dailies and currently with INDEPENDENT Newspaper.
Toyin holds a BA Ed in English Education, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, National Association of Women Journalist. Married with kids.
Source: Independent.ng | Read the Full Story…
