The availability of drugs in public health facilities across Kano State has seen remarkable improvement, reaching 96%, up from a previous 30%, according to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kano Chapter.
This achievement was highlighted in a statement released on Thursday by Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Information Officer for the Ministry of Health. The PSN Council Chairman, Pharm. Mustafa Umar, commended the efforts made in ensuring that essential drugs are accessible in state-run health facilities. He expressed satisfaction with the progress under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, Kano’s Commissioner for Health, calling the improvements a source of relief for pharmacists, particularly regarding concerns over the future of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA).
“Pharmacists in the state were deeply concerned about the fate of the DMCSA, but now there is a sense of relief as things return to normal, with drug availability in public health facilities improving to 96% from the previous 30%,” Pharm. Umar stated.
He also praised the historic appointment of Pharm. Aminu Bashir as Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, marking the first time a pharmacist has held such a position in Kano. Pharm. Umar expressed confidence that Pharm. Bashir’s appointment would contribute positively to the improvement of civil service operations.
In response, Dr. Labaran reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to revitalizing the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring that quality drugs are consistently available to the public. He emphasized that the government prioritizes input from technical experts before making decisions about pharmaceutical services.
Additionally, Dr. Labaran discussed the government’s efforts to regulate the drug market, highlighting the establishment of a drugs wholesale market at Dangwauro. He called on pharmaceutical operators to act with caution and integrity to prevent the circulation of fake and expired drugs, urging them to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.