Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has affirmed relevance of Pharmacists in the administration of health services, stressing need to recognize and identify with the key roles played through the pharmaceutical deliverables (logistics of medicines and health commodities).
Penpushing reports that Abiodun made this known during the commissioning of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse of the Ogun State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, in reference to corroborate what the Global Fund Regional Director Peter Sands at the event held in Abeokuta.
The governor observed that before now the attention had always been concentrated on the needs for nurses and medical doctors, whereas if the doctors adequately diagnose, and the nurses administer treatment, pharmacists should not be sidelined in the exercise.
Penpushing further reports that he emphasized that without the continuous availability of efficacious, quality and affordable medicines, the expected effective treatment and overall better health outcomes for the citizens of may be jeopardised.
The governor, however, disclosed that more than 30,000 residents living with HIV are currently receiving free antiretroviral therapy, counselling, and support services in health facilities across the state.
Penpushing also reports that Abiodun said his administration has recorded significant milestones in the healthcare sector by repositioning the state’s health system for optimal service delivery, urging residents to take advantage of available healthcare services by visiting hospitals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The governor, added that the state government has continued to strengthen HIV prevention programmes, expand testing services, and implement measures aimed at reducing new infections.
“Today, more than 30,000 residents of Ogun State living with HIV are receiving free antiretroviral therapy, counselling, and support services. We continue to strengthen prevention programmes, expand testing services, and reduce new infections,” he said.
Penpushing reports that he commended the Global Fund for expanding access to HIV treatment in Nigeria and supporting tuberculosis diagnosis, malaria prevention, as well as the provision of life-saving medicines and health commodities, noting that the Fund’s grants have particularly benefited women, children, adolescents, vulnerable groups, and underserved communities.
The governor described the newly commissioned warehouse as a strategic investment, stressing that the facility would enhance the storage, management, and distribution of essential medicines and health commodities across the state.
“The facility will strengthen supply chain efficiency, reduce stock-outs, and ensure that medicines and test kits reach healthcare facilities and patients across the 20 local government areas in a timely manner,” he stated.
Penpushing further reports that Abiodun acknowledged that HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria remain significant public health challenges in the state but assured that his administration, working with development partners, is making steady progress through sustained interventions aimed at reducing their impact.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, explaining that efforts to combat tuberculosis have also been intensified through community outreach programmes, contact tracing, and hotspot mapping.
“Access to diagnostic services, including screening, X-rays, and laboratory testing, has been expanded, while treatment remains free and accessible. Our message is clear: tuberculosis is preventable, detectable, and curable,” he added.
Penpushing reports that he commended the Nigerian Government for its efforts in strengthening the health sector and expanding access to quality healthcare, noting that Ogun State would continue to align with the national vision by delivering measurable health outcomes for its citizens.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, earlier in her speech explained that the facility was established to improve the delivery of quality healthcare services across the state.
Penpushing further reports that she commended the Governor for investing in a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machine used for testing the quality of drugs supplied to health facilities
The commissioner equally disclosed that the state government plans to deploy technology capable of detecting low stock levels in medical facilities across the state.
Penpushing also reports the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands, in his remarks described the newly commissioned facility as a critical investment aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring the timely availability of medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic commodities.
The Executive Director revealed that, of the 22 warehouses built across the country, Ogun State’s facility is the largest and best-equipped, and commended the state’s leadership in the health sector and pledged the Global Fund’s continued support towards improving health outcomes and building a more resilient healthcare system.
Penpushing reports that Sands emphasised that the facility was jointly funded by the Global Fund and the Ogun State Government, stating that it symbolises the administration’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the people and expressed readiness to sustain the partnership with the state.
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