Ekiti Governor signs drug management bill into law

The Governor, Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has signed the Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Bill into law.

Dr Kayode also announced the approval of N80m as seed funding for the establishment of the agency, which he said, “will address the menace of low-quality drugs in circulation in the state and ensure that high-quality drugs are constantly available in the state at very affordable prices”.

The Governor on Tuesday while signing the law, said, “This lays a structure for the attainment,distribution,manufacturing sales and management of drugs and medical commodities in Ekiti State.

Fayemi said the law was introduced to provide a strong legal basis for the establishment of Ekiti State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency.

“This Act is also critical to our goal of becoming a regional hub for quality healthcare delivery because, with it, we now have the legitimacy to engage big pharmaceuticals on contract to ensure that we get the best quality of drugs at the best prices.

“Drugs and medical supplies are an essential part of our health system. Ensuring that health facilities in the state have essential drugs and medical supplies that can be readily available when needed is key to delivering Universal Health Coverage for the people of Ekiti State,”He said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said, “The Agency, when established, will be the primary source of high quality, affordable and accessible drugs and health commodity for all state-owned primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities.

Victor/Punch