Worried by the challenges of access to quality drugs and medical commodities in the healthcare system in Plateau State, the State Executive Council at its meeting of Thursday 24th June 2022, approved a draft Bill for the creation of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency to be sent to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action.
Briefing newsmen after the Council Meeting presided over by Governor Simon Lalong at the Council Chambers of the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Commissioner for Works Pam Bot-Mang explained that the decision was taken following the presentation of the draft Bill to the council by the Ministry of Health.
He said the Government believes that the new Agency will resolve the issues of fake drugs, out-of-stoke syndrome in public and private hospitals and also guarantee access at the grassroots.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Nimkong Lar said the development will generally improve the health of the citizens and also ensure that drugs and other medical commodities are accessed at affordable prices while the challenge associated with tracing fake and adulterated products will be easy to handle.
He commended the Plateau State Governor for his passion towards ensuring that the health care system is improved and made to respond to the current needs of the people at all levels of society.
Lar also gave an update of the 2 cases of Monkey Pox recorded in the State where he explained that one of the patients has recovered and is discharged while the other one is improving tremendously.
He said surveillance and sensitization efforts have been stepped up to ensure that the cases do not spread further.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Government has received a World Bank Award for the Best State in Financial Management and Reporting in implementing the NEWMAP Project in the Country.
The Award which was give to the State at a National event, was presented to Governor Lalong during the Executive Council meeting.
The Governor congratulated the State and NEWMAP Team for making the people proud by carrying out quality projects within specifications and ensuring that all laid down procedures are observed in the process.
He said this achivement was in line with the determination of his Rescue Administration to maintain financial discipline, adhere to due process and also ensure frugal management of resources at all times.
