The availability of drugs in public health facilities in Kano State has significantly improved, reaching 96% from the previous 30%, according to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kano Chapter.
This was contained in a statement issued by Ibrahim Abdullahi, Information Officer
Ministry of Health on Thursday.
Speaking during a visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, PSN Council Chairman, Pharm. Mustafa Umar, commended the progress made in ensuring essential drugs are accessible in health facilities across the state.
Pharm. Umar expressed satisfaction with the changes under the leadership of Dr. Labaran, describing the improvements as a source of relief for pharmacists concerned about the fate of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA).
“Pharmacists in the state were in serious concern about the fate of the DMCSA, but now feel relaxed as things are coming back to normal so much that the availability of drugs in public health facilities stood at 96% from the previous 30%,” he said.
He also acknowledged the appointment of Pharm. Aminu Bashir as Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, describing it as historic.
“The appointment is the first of its kind in the history of the pharmacists’ family in Kano State, and we are confident that he will work diligently to improve civil service,” Pharm. Umar added.
In response, the commissioner, Dr. Labaran reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reviving the pharmaceutical sector and ensuring that quality drugs are readily available to the public.
He noted that the administration prioritizes input from technical experts before making decisions regarding pharmaceutical services.
Dr. Labaran also highlighted the government’s efforts to sanitize the drug market by enforcing the utilization of the established drugs wholesale market at Dangwauro.
He urged pharmaceutical business operators to act with caution and integrity to prevent the circulation of fake and expired drugs.
