By Rabiu Sanusi
The management of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, led by the Director-General of the Agency Pharmacist Gali Sule, has organized a gigantic ceremony, on Thursday, to celebrate the notable achievements of the Kano government in the area of drug supply to health facilities across the state.
The ceremony was part of a series of activities organized to celebrate the DG’s clocking of one year in office, as he was appointed to the position on 16th July 2023. The day’s activities, however, were kicked off by Qur’anic recitations and prayer conducted by some powerful and respected clerics at the DMCSA mosque.
The main occasion, which was chaired by the Commissioner State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf was graced by all crème de la crème from the health sector, including heads of agencies, their management staff, members of professional organizations, regulatory agencies, drug manufacturers and suppliers, development partners, among others.
While speaking, the Commissioner issued a directive to the leadership of all government-owned healthcare facilities in the state to make sure they purchase the drugs and medical consumables from DMCSA due to the quality and affordability of the commodities there, warning that appropriate measures will be used to sanction the defaulters.
Dr. Yusuf commended Pharm. Sule for his exemplary leadership and the virtues of trust, transparency, and accountability, stressing that with people such as Gali at the helm of affairs of a very sensitive and important agency like the DMCSA, he sleeps with his two eyes closed.
In his address, the DG humbly attributed all the tremendous successes recorded at the organization to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that without the support and cooperation of the Governor, what was achieved would be unattainable.
He commended the governor for what he called “mass-oriented policies, projects, programs and initiatives,” which are aimed at uplifting the standard of living of the common man.
Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, Director of Drugs and Supply at DMCSA, spoke extensively on the major successes recorded in the period under review, disclosing that the healthcare facility coverage has risen from the initial 78 per cent to over 95 per cent. The quality of the drugs has also been increased, as the Agency is procuring and supplying the facilities with high-quality, registered drugs and consumables that are affordable and accessible to the teeming population.
The Director further added that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government and the UNICEF/ Global Fund, has built a modern, gold-standard pharmaceutical warehouse for proper storage of health commodities.
Moreover, some 60 per cent of inherited debts accumulated from the previous administration were settled, while the stores and offices are largely renovated to provide a conducive atmosphere for the staff and business associates to enhance service delivery, he concluded.
During the function, some of the staff who excelled at their respective work, both among the junior and senior cadres, from all departments and four zonal stores, were carefully selected and rewarded, to appreciate and motivate them in particular, and all staff in general.
Some of the beneficiaries from private organizations and government agencies who benefited from donations and corporate social responsibility, courtesy of the DG, have commended him for his empathy and support.
Among the heads of agencies who spoke at the function were the Executive Secretary Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda; the Executive Secretary of Kano State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme Management Agency, Dr Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar; among others.
