Kogi State Drugs Agency Hosts Stakeholders’ Meeting to Enhance Hospital Standards

By Rotimi Odofin

The Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency, in partnership with the Kogi State Hospitals Management Board, convened its quarterly review meeting with the management teams of all secondary health facilities across the state, attracting over 200 participants.

The primary objective of the meeting was to evaluate the challenges faced by healthcare facilities and to discuss strategies for maintaining best practices in hospital operations and service delivery.

During the session, Pharmacist Salamat Onize Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, encouraged pharmaceutical companies to present key products, particularly combination therapies aimed at improving patient adherence for those on multiple drug regimens. Four pharmaceutical companies showcased eight innovative products during the meeting.

In recognition of their commitment to sourcing safe, quality, and affordable medications, the Agency awarded a letter of appreciation to the Medical Officer in Charge of General Hospital, Isanlu, and his team for their exemplary performance.

The Executive Secretary also urged heads of health facilities to refrain from procuring drugs from unregistered pharmacies, emphasizing the importance of combating the circulation of counterfeit and adulterated medicines that could jeopardize patient health. She urged management of health institutions across the state to strengthen collaboration with the agency in promoting the unified single supply system. According to her, the system guarantees access to quality drugs from known and approved suppliers under a uniform pricing regime while ensuring proper distribution channels that preserve the efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

Pharmacist Salamat noted that strengthening the supply chain would enhance the visibility of drug sources, support the agency in achieving its mandate, and further position Kogi State among the leading drug management agencies in the country.

The Agency commended the Chief Medical Director of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olayemi Ayo Jonathan and his management team for their continued support towards the vision of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, in delivering quality healthcare services across Kogi State.

She also appreciated the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez Adeiza, for his leadership and dedication to the advancement of the Agency’s mandate.

The Executive Secretary thanked the management and staff of the Agency, as well as representatives of the participating pharmaceutical companies, for contributing to the success of the meeting through knowledge sharing on drug indications and proper usage.

She concluded by wishing all participants safe journeys back to their respective destinations.