Nasarawa, UNICEF move to tackle fake drugs in health facilities
The Nasarawa State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had taken steps to rid the state of fake and substandard drugs in primary, secondary and tertiary medical facilities.
Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health made the disclosure on Tuesday in Lafia while inspecting the multi-million naira project of the upgrade of facilities at the State’s Drugs Management and Supply Agency (NASDMSA).
The Commissioner explained that the inspection of the the facilities is to ensure that the contractor carries out the work according to the terms of the contracts ahead of commissioning of the project.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and materials used by the contractor describing the agency as the best in the North-Central geo-political zone.
He added that the establishment of the agency will also tackle the problem non-availability of quality and affordable drugs in all public health facilities in the state.
“With this huge investment in the infrastructure and purchase of drugs directly from manufacturers, the era of supply of substandard and non-availability of drugs in our facilities is over.
“The prices of drugs in public health facilities are affordable and uniform across the state because the agency also controls price.
“We are also extending the gesture to private hospitals in the state who are willing to transact business with us,” the Commissioner said.
