Kaduna gov’t commissions Zaria warehouse to boost healthcare supply chain

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, officially commissioned the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency (KADHSMA) Zonal Drug Warehouse in Sabon Gari and launched the capitalization of facilities with Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) commodities at the PHC Zonal Office in GRA, Zaria.
This move, the government said aims to enhance the last-mile delivery of essential medicines across the state.
Dr. Balarabe noted that the event marks another milestone in the current administration’s dedicated effort to improve healthcare delivery throughout Kaduna.
She stressed that the warehouse is designed to ensure the timely availability of quality essential medicines to every ward, community, and resident in the state.
According to her, healthcare delivery heavily depends on a reliable supporting system. She noted that, for many years, issues such as stock-outs and supply chain inefficiencies have hindered optimal service.
She explained that Kaduna State is actively working to address these challenges through intentional investments in infrastructure and system improvements.
The newly commissioned zonal warehouse, she added, will significantly boost last-mile distribution by bringing storage and medicines closer to communities.
This, the Deputy Governor said, will reduce delivery times, decrease stock-outs, and ensure medicines reach those who need them. “The warehouse is not just a storage facility but a strategic intervention,” she stated.
Dr. Balarabe urged the community to take good care of the facility and prevent vandalism, emphasizing that community ownership is crucial for maintaining these gains.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency (KADHSMA), Pharm. Aisha Isyaku Tukur mentioned that the Sabon Gari warehouse is among several such facilities across the state, with others located in Ikara, Kachia, and Kafanchan.
She confirmed that all are well-stocked with commodities and fully operational.
She clarified that KADHSMA’s mandate is to ensure the continuous supply of safe, high-quality, and affordable health commodities to all public health facilities.
The recent capitalization of the Drug Revolving Fund, combined with additional medicines, has further strengthened this system.
Pharm. Tukur added that this initiative helps health facilities stay better equipped to consistently provide essential medicines, thus improving patient care and satisfaction.
She commended Governor Uba Sani’s administration for its visionary leadership in prioritizing healthcare development and thanked key partners for their support.
Also speaking, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, said that the Ministry of Health is fortunate to have 90% of its staff as women, describing them as very efficient and hardworking.
He urged local government chairpersons to ensure the facility is well secured so the public can benefit fully from it.