Lalong signs law establishing Plateau Drugs, Medical Commodities Mgt Agency

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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

While signing the Bill into Law at the Government House Rayfield Jos, Lalong 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 which has a lot of advantages.

He said, “The days of 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.

“This Agency will also ensure that there is quality control by developing a standard operating procedure as well as addressing the issue of cost,” he explained.

While giving the synopsis of the Law, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State Chrysanthus Ahmadu, said, “This 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.”