State DMA's Best Source For Qualitative, Affordable Drugs

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The federal government has recognized drug management agencies (DMAs) owned by the state governments as the most appropriate facilities to get the best health commodities across the country.

This was made known by the Director-General Kano State DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule, Tuesday, when he received members of Kano State-Led Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM) in his office, who paid him an advocacy visit.

Pharm. Sule stressed that the federal government has come to terms that the DMAs  are the only place where healthcare facilities are getting their supplies of commodities that are qualitative, available, affordable, and accessible to the populace.

As a result of the realization of the importance of DMAs, the federal government is now working hard to make sure all states have established the said agencies, and ensure they are operated according to the laid down rules and regulations, revealing that 22 sates so far have established their own.

Speaking on the history, mandate, and success recorded at Kano state DMCSA under his leadership, the DG drawed similarity between DMCSA and KanSLAM, emphasizing that his agency and the organization are working for the same goal of improving the health sector in order to get a healthy society.

Pharm. Sule further disclosed that KN State Ministry of Health , under the Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf and all the agencies under the ministry are working towards achieving the said objectives in their different capabilities.

He finally commended the Kano state government, especially Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf , for allocating over 16 percent of the state's budget to health sector, which is above the stipulated amount required by the Abuja Declaration, which requires allocating of 15 percent of the budgets of all state governments.

Speaking ealier, the Co-Chairman of KanSLAM, Nafisa Murtala said they were at the DG's office, as one of the top government officials in the state from the health sector, to seek his support, especially in regard to decision-making around women health.

She said KanSLAM is supporting the Kano government on human development, specifically on the health matters, through  advocating for the improvement of women and children health in the state.

The co-chair called on the government to  increase the budgetary allocation to the health sector to ensure that there are quality healthcare services so as to reduce maternal and child mortality.