The Kogi State Government on Wednesday said all is now set to establish a state-owned pharmaceutical outfit that can at least produce paracetamol and other essential drugs and consumables needed in the state.
The Executive Secretary, Kogi State Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency, (KSDMSMA) Pharm. Mahmud Odidi Ozigi disclosed this in Lokoja during the agency’s last quarter zonal drug distribution exercise held at the agency premises on Wednesday.
Ozigi, who stated that the drugs being distributed are worth millions of naira said the establishment of the Pharmaceutical outfit in Kogi State will provide job opportunities and generate internal revenue for the government while enhancing drug supply in the state.
While emphasising the need to decentralize drugs and medical supply in the state, the KSDMSMA boss noted that plans are already underway to have over 60 companies duly registered in Kogi State with the Bureau of Public Procurement doing business with the State Government.
He vowed that the agency would ensure that the drugs get to the targeted populace, stressing that the agency’s monitoring and evaluation team will arrest and prosecute any individual who sabotages the efforts of the government to provide good medical services to the people.
“We intend to pursue a policy of continuous engagement with critical stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry in order to ensure sustainability of drugs and consumables procurement and distribution in Kogi State” he added.
He, however, identified funds, and logistics to move drugs from one end to another as some of the challenges the agency is facing in Kogi State.
