Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says quality healthcare delivery remains the top priority of his administration.
Aiyedatiwa said access to safe, quality and affordable drugs were also a fundamental part of the government’s commitment to building a healthier and stronger state.
The governor said this on Tuesday in Akure during the inauguration of the newly upgraded Central Medical Stores to a Pharma-grade Warehouse.
According to him, the upgrade of the Central Medical Stores is the result of a strategic partnership between Ondo, Federal Government and Global Fund through counterpart funding arrangements.
Aiyedatiwa said the project was a major leap in strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system and a bold step toward eliminating counterfeit and substandard drugs from public health facilities.
“It became imperative to upgrade the facility to a Pharma-grade warehouse that adheres to international best practices for drug storage, thereby protecting the potency, safety, and quality of all health commodities.
”With this facility, we are taking concrete steps to eliminate fake medicines from our supply chain.
“We have instituted strict procurement policies to ensure that all drugs are sourced exclusively from registered and reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers,” he said.
The governor also said that the state recently collaborated with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to produce the first edition of the Ondo State Essential Medicines List.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Essential Medicines List is a major stride in standardising healthcare delivery and drug availability.
Earlier, Dr Amos Ayegbusi, Executive Secretary, Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (ODHCMA), described the event as a major leap in strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
Aiyegbusi expressed deep appreciation to Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support, particularly the prompt release of counterpart funds which enabled the project’s timely completion.