The Nasarawa State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund are collaborating to stop the circulation of fake drugs in primary and tertiary medical facilities across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Dr Gaza Gwamna, the state Commissioner for Health, announced this partnership while inspecting the ongoing infrastructural projects at the premises of the Nasarawa State Drugs and Supplies Management Agency.
Gwamna clarified that the inspection was to ensure that the contractor was fulfilling the terms of the contracts for the upgrade of facilities at NASDSMA.
He was pleased with the quality of work and materials used by the contractor, stating that it was the best in the North-Central Geo-Political zone of the country.
Gwamna also explained that the creation of the agency has addressed the issue of the lack of reliable and affordable drugs in public health facilities in the state.
He praised UNICEF for contributing 85% of the project's total cost, showing their care for the people of Nasarawa State. He expressed gratitude for their support.
Gwamna also stated that with the significant investment in infrastructure and the ability to directly purchase drugs from manufacturers, the problem of substandard and unavailable drugs in healthcare facilities is now resolved.
He also mentioned that the agency now controls the prices of drugs in public facilities, making them affordable and consistent across the state. The commissioner added that this support is being extended to private hospitals in the state as well.
Dr. Gaza Gwamna commended the contractor for adhering to the project's specifications and emphasized that delivering quality healthcare services is a top priority for Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration.
He assured everyone that the state government will continue to work diligently to address the health needs of the residents.
The health sector has faced challenges in dealing with the sale of counterfeit drugs recently.
In March, the Nigeria Customs Service Area Controller for Oyo/Osun Area Command, Dr Ben Oramalugo, revealed that the command found fake pharmaceuticals concealed in 53 sacks.
These fake items included Augmentin tablets, Ampiclox, and Amoxycillin capsules, amounting to N1,739,000,000.00 in value.
