In a move to address the challenge associated with access, quality, availability and affordability of drugs in Government health facilities, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has signed into law the Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency Bill 2022 recently passed by the House of Assembly.
While signing the Bill into Law at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor said with the new legislation coming into effect, the Agency when established will ensure that all State owned tertiary, secondary, and primary health facilities get their drugs from one source which has a lot of advantages.
He said the days of out-of-stock syndrome will be addressed while the tracking of drugs will be easier. The agency will also ensure that the quality of the drugs procured is ascertained while those who store them will do so under a uniform template.
Lalong also said the Agency will also ensure that there is quality control by developing a standard operating procedure as well as addressing the issue of cost.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu while giving the synopsis of the Law said the Agency is also permitted to carry out the manufacture of quality and affordable drugs and other consumables as well as operationalising the Revolving Drug Fund in all health facilities in the state
Meanwhile, the Governor has recieved members of the Nigerian Bar Association Jos Branch who paid him a courtesy visit.
Led by its Chairman Barr Izang Aware, the NBA said they were at the Government House to once again appreciate the Governor who has done a lot to improve the Judiciary in Plateau State through the construction of the High Court Complex and renovation of other courts as well as supporting and implementing the Autonomy of the Judiciary.
They formally introduced the new Executive Members of the NBA Jos Branch and assured him of their readiness to continually support his administration and its programmes.
They invited the Governor for the activities marking the 2022 Law Week and asked for his support towards renovation of the Bar Centre which will accommodate its activities.
Committee Chairman of the 2022 Law Week Barr Sunday Obende promised to organise a befitting law week in the State with the theme “Tipping point: 2023 General Elections in Perspective” scheduled to hold from 2-7 December 2023.
Responding, Governor Lalong welcomed them to Government House and said as his professional colleagues, he has continued to enjoy their support, advice and collaboration.
While promising them a new bus to run their office, he said he will do his best to support activities of the NBA and give them a serene working environment.
He promised to renovate the NBA Bar Center and commission the High Court Complex alongside the newly renovated Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Center before his tenure ends.
