From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government-owned Pharmaceutical Production Plant is set to commence operations in the last quarter of this year, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency, Hajiya Fatima Shuaibu Kurfi, has said.
Kurfi disclosed this during the flag-off of the distribution of free medical commodities and medical equipment in Katsina.
She said the plant would begin production with six oral dosage formulations, adding that its products would be marketed across Nigeria and exported to other countries.
According to her, the pharmaceutical plant is expected to boost internally generated revenue for both the agency and the Katsina State Government while enhancing access to quality medicines.
The Executive Secretary highlighted the agency’s achievements, noting that the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) has increased by 400 per cent under the present administration.
She added that the state’s free healthcare programme has expanded by 207 per cent and now covers more pregnant women, children under the age of five, malaria treatment, as well as free snakebite antivenom and anti-rabies vaccines.
Kurfi commended the state government for approving the capitalization of the Drug Revolving Fund for the 361 upgraded functional Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
She, however, appealed to the government to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the pharmaceutical-grade warehouse to maintain optimal storage temperatures for temperature-sensitive medicines, including injectables and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
She also called for the establishment of regional warehouses to ease logistics challenges in supplying the newly upgraded Primary Healthcare Centres located in remote areas.
“We wish to remind the state government about the need for regional warehouses that will ease logistics difficulties for the newly upgraded Primary Healthcare Centres in distant locations,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said the distribution of medical equipment was aimed at strengthening government-owned health facilities and improving access to quality healthcare services across the state.
The governor directed hospital management and staff to ensure the proper use of the equipment, warning that the government would closely monitor its deployment and sanction anyone found diverting the items for personal gain.
Radda said his administration had increased funding for the Drug Revolving Fund by 207 per cent to ensure that every resident has access to affordable healthcare services regardless of social or economic status.
He expressed confidence that the pharmaceutical production plant, once fully operational, would boost local manufacturing of essential medicines, reduce dependence on imported drugs, and create employment opportunities.
The governor also commended the management and staff of the Katsina State Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency for their dedication and professionalism in improving healthcare delivery across the state.
