By Shafi’u Yahaya
The Director-General of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharmacist Gali Sule, has praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what he described as remarkable achievements in strengthening drug management and healthcare delivery across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday to mark the beginning of activities commemorating Governor Yusuf’s three years in office, the Director-General said the governor’s commitment to improving the agency had transformed pharmaceutical services in Kano State.
“Following in the footsteps of my Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, is my pride,” Pharmacist Sule said, adding that the agency had dedicated an entire week to showcase the administration’s achievements in the health sector.
According to him, the week-long celebration began on Monday, July 13, with Qur’anic recitation and a media briefing highlighting the agency’s milestones under Governor Yusuf’s administration.
Among the major achievements, Sule disclosed that the governor approved the payment of over N1.2 billion in outstanding liabilities owed to private pharmaceutical suppliers by previous administrations.
He explained that the settlement restored confidence among pharmaceutical stakeholders and earned Governor Yusuf an award from the Association of Industrial Pharmacists in recognition of his commitment to strengthening the healthcare system.
The Director-General also listed several infrastructure improvements at the agency, including the renovation of the administrative block, provision of modern office furniture, uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply to preserve temperature-sensitive medicines, and the construction of a modern powerhouse to support cold-chain storage.
He described the cold-chain facility as one of the best in the country, noting that it has the capacity to accommodate medical supplies from neighbouring states when necessary.
Sule further stated that the availability of essential medicines in public health facilities has increased significantly under the present administration.
“Before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf came into office, drug availability in public hospitals was around 30 per cent.
“Today, after three years of his administration, availability has risen to over 90 per cent, ensuring that patients have better access to essential medicines,” he said.
He said the week-long celebration would continue on Tuesday with a public enlightenment campaign highlighting the governor’s achievements in the health sector.
According to him, Wednesday’s programme will feature a public lecture on the dangers of illicit drug abuse, with experts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) expected to deliver presentations.
Sule reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the reforms initiated by Governor Yusuf and ensuring the continuous availability of safe, quality and affordable medicines for the people of Kano State.
