In a bid to improve the availability of quality drugs and enhance healthcare delivery, the Ondo State Government has mandated all secondary health facilities in the state to procure medicines exclusively from the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (ODHCMA).
The Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, announced this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the ODHCMA management in Akure. He emphasized the need to prioritize quality drug procurement to strengthen healthcare services at the secondary level.
“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,” Fasoranti said.
He lauded the ODHCMA for its operations, particularly the establishment of a pharmagrade system to ensure drug security and availability. “The symbiotic relationship between the Hospitals’ Management Board and ODHCMA will enhance healthcare service delivery in the state,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of ODHCMA, Pharm. Amos Ayegbusi, outlined the agency’s efforts to improve access to essential medicines in line with the state government’s policies. He noted that the agency was established following the resolution of the 63rd National Council on Health meeting in December 2022, which mandated all states to create drug and medical supply management agencies.
“Our goal aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which seeks to achieve universal health coverage and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable medicines for all,” Ayegbusi explained.
He revealed that the central medical store in the state is being upgraded to pharmagrade standards to ensure proper drug storage and security. “We source our supplies from reputable and registered vendors capable of delivering high-quality products. Over the last three months, we’ve supplied drugs and commodities worth over ₦200 million to health facilities, achieving over 60 percent coverage of essential medicines,” he said.
Ayegbusi also praised Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his dedication to healthcare improvement, noting that the governor had paid the counterpart funding required to establish a centralized drug hub in the state.
He urged all stakeholders, including the Hospitals’ Management Board, to collaborate in ensuring compliance with the law and delivering quality drugs to health facilities across the state.
Present at the event were key board members, including Pharm. Taiwo Adefurin, Nurse Patience Arinola Adamolekun, Dr. Rotimi Wilson, and the Permanent Secretary of HMB, Dr. Ayodele Ojo, who pledged their support for the agency’s initiatives.
Ayegbusi concluded by reiterating the agency’s commitment to working with the HMB to strengthen the health system and ensure residents have access to quality healthcare services.
