Plateau To Establish Medical Commodities Management Agency

In a move to address the challenge associated with access, quality, availability and affordability of drugs in government health facilities, Plateau State has signed into law the Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency Bill 2022.

Governor Simon Lalong while signing the bill into law on Thursday in Jos said, with the new legislation coming into effect, the Agency when established will ensure that all State-owned tertiary, secondary, and primary health facilities get their drugs from one source.  

Lalong said the days of the out-of-stock syndrome will be addressed while the tracking of drugs will be easier. 

The agency will also ensure that the quality of the drugs procured is ascertained while those who store them will do so under a uniform template. 

Lalong also said the Agency will also ensure that there is quality control by developing a standard operating procedure as well as addressing the issue of cost. 

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu while giving the synopsis of the Law said the Agency is also permitted to carry out the manufacture of quality and affordable drugs and other consumables as well as operationalising the Revolving Drug Fund in all health facilities in the state.