Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The people of Kano state have been assured that the Drugs Revolving Fund (DRF), which provides affordable, quality and accessible drugs in public health facilities, will not be allowed to collapse due its immense benefits to the teeming populace.
The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf made the assurance in his opening remarks at a 3-Day Biannual DRF Performance Feedback to Key Stakeholder, held in Kaduna state.
The meeting has objectives of providing feedback to key stakeholders on the performance of DRF operations at Hospitals Management Board, Primary Health Care Management Board, and Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency.
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Others are to discuss challenges affecting DRF operations in those agencies, to give solutions to the identified challenges, and to also develop the next steps for the increased performance of the scheme.
Dr. Labaran acknowledged that the meeting comes at the right time because by next year DRF will celebrate 20 years of operationalization in Kano, adding that despite copious challenges the scheme faces over the years, yet it stills going stronger by the day.
“That is why we wouldn’t allow DRF to go down the drain. I know some of you were part of the team that started DRF in Kano. Through your dedication, commitment, and selfless service, the scheme sustained so much that many states in the country have copied Kano and are doing well,” he puts up.
Represented by the DG Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharm. Gali Sule, the commissioner, believed that failure of Kano DRF would spread like a fire and inevitably will affect its replica in other states.
“As of today, over 21 states are operating DRF in Nigeria because of the successes Kano has so far recorded. And, many of DRF specimens that are used at the national level are copied from Kano, and we are receiving commendations internationally; whoever wants to do supply chain will look at Kano. Therefore, we must ensure the scheme continues to be strengthened and sustained,” said Dr. Labaran.
He then charged the SHCSS committee to as a matter of urgency come up with modalities for the intensification of monitoring and supervision of health facilities operating DRF in order to compare the facility monthly DRF report and the real situation of the scheme.
The commissioner assured the committee of the political will and support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf led administration to any programme, which ultimately leads to the enhancement of the care of the people of Kano state.
Dr. Labaran lauded the Global Affairs Canada Nutrition International Improved Diarrhoea Treatment Outcome Project through Forward in Action for Education, Poverty, and Malnutrition (FAcE-PaM) for their supporting supply chain of the state, assuring them of the continued harmonious working relationship because of their passion to see the state healthcare system remains standardized.
Signed:
Ibrahim Abdullahi
Information Officer
Ministry of Health
23 September 2024