Kano DMCSA Offsets ₦980 Million Out of ₦1.17 Billion Debt, Boosts Drug Availability Across State

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has announced a significant financial milestone, having paid off ₦980 million out of the ₦1.17 billion debt it inherited from the previous administration.

This achievement reflects the agency’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, operational transparency, and the revitalization of healthcare service delivery in Kano State.

Speaking at 8th Quarterly Review Meeting held at the conference hall of the agency, the Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule said the debt repayment was made possible through proper employment of transparency and accountability mechanisms, as well as strategic financial reforms.

“When we assumed office in July 2023, the agency was in a precarious financial state — operating at a deficit and burdened by massive unpaid obligations to suppliers,” said Pharm. Sule. “Today, I’m proud to announce that ₦980 million out of the ₦1.17 billion inherited debt has been cleared, and the DMCSA is now on a stable financial footing.”

Pharm. Sule reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to fully clear the remaining debt balance and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in the public health sector.

“This is not just a financial recovery. It is a transformation. We’re building a DMCSA that is accountable, efficient, and people-centered,” he said.

He further listed some of the notable achievements recorded at DMCSA, including the increase in drug availability at public health facilities, which has improved from 30% to 97%, and the affordability component, where the prices of government-supplied drugs and consumables are now 40% cheaper than in the open market.

He also pointed out that the agency’s fund value rose from a negative ₦102 million in July 2023 to ₦377 million as of September 2025.

The DG listed some of the support his agency received from partners during the period under review, stating:

"The support we have received in this quarter include the one from the Gates Foundation, through its implementing partner the Capacity for Sustainable Development (C4SD), for the implementation of Intergrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD), and a donation of Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) tools from the Canadian Government's Nutrition International.

"We also received support during the tender evaluation process from the UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office FCDO-Lafiya Programme, and a donation of electric stacker from Jawa International Ltd," Pharm. asserted.

Declaring the review meeting opened, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf congratulated the DMCSA leadership for the remarkable improvements recorded.

He then commended the partners for their unflinching support to the health sector and Kano State in general, assuring them of proper utilization of the tools and equipment donated to the DMCSA.

Kano Government Approves N233 Million for Procurement of Laboratory Equipment for DMCSA

By Farouk Isa Musa 

As part of the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery systems across the state, the Kano State Executive Council has approved the sum of N233 million for the procurement of advanced laboratory equipment for the newly remodelled modern Quality Control Laboratory located at the Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), 

This strategic investment is aimed at enhancing the agency's capacity to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of all drugs and medical consumables distributed within Kano State. With the new equipment, DMCSA will be equipped to conduct thorough laboratory analyses and meet both national and international standards in pharmaceutical quality control.

This was made known by the Director-General of DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule while speaking during a Quarterly Review Meeting held Monday at the conference hall of the agency.

Pharm. Sule stated that this initiative demonstrates the state's resolve to uphold the highest standards in public health and drug safety. “This approval underscores the commitment of Kano State government under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to safeguarding the health of Kano citizens by ensuring that only high-quality drugs are available in our healthcare facilities."

According to him, after the procurement and installation, the personnel will be trained on the use of the new laboratory equipment, which includes modern analytical and diagnostic tools crucial for testing medical supplies.

The DG also highlighted that courtesy of reforms and initiatives at DMCSA, the agency has now been accredited as an internship training center by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

Declaring the review meeting opened, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf noted that the upgrade of the DMCSA laboratory aligns with the Kano State Government’s broader agenda to improve healthcare infrastructure, promote local capacity development, and ensure accountability and transparency in the medical supply chain.

He further assured that the government remains dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all residents of Kano State.

HEALTH ADVISORY ON LASSA FEVER (LF)

Issued by: Director General, Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC)

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has issued a public health advisory alerting residents to the onset of the 2025/2026 Lassa Fever season across Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by the Director General of KNCDC, Dr. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, the advisory follows a national alert from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) warning of increased risk of Lassa Fever transmission during the period between October and May.

Lassa Fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease, is transmitted through contact with food, water, or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents. Person-to-person transmission may also occur through contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals.

Dr. Abbas explained that Kano’s ecological and environmental conditions make the state vulnerable to potential outbreaks, urging citizens to maintain high levels of hygiene and adhere to preventive measures.

The advisory stated that Residents should keep their surroundings clean, store food in covered containers, and block all possible rodent entry points. 

Anyone experiencing persistent fever or related symptoms should report immediately to the nearest health facility .

The symptoms of Lassa Fever include fever that does not respond to treatment, sore throat, chest or abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding from any part of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment, according to health officials, greatly improve survival chances.

As part of preparedness measures, the Kano State Government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) for Lassa Fever response. The state has also begun pre-positioning essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), antivirals, and training for health workers on case management and infection prevention.

Community sensitization campaigns and rodent control exercises are also ongoing in high-risk local government areas as part of the state’s “One Health” response strategy, which integrates environmental and agricultural sectors.

The KNCDC appealed to residents to report any suspected case promptly through designated surveillance channels rather than attempting home treatment.

 Dr. Abbas assured that Lassa Fever is preventable and treatable when detected early added that together, we can keep Kano State free from Lassa Fever this season.

Residents can contact KNCDC through 07077974507 or via kanocdc@gmail.com for reports and inquiries. National emergency lines are also available through NCDC Connect Centre at 6232 (toll-free) or WhatsApp 0708 711 0839.

Kano Health Ministry Hosts iLMD Review Meeting to Strengthen Health Supply Chain Efficiency

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

In a significant step towards improving access to essential health commodities across Kano State, key stakeholders convened for a high-level Integrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD) and Requisition Review Meeting aimed at assessing current supply chain processes and reinforcing collaboration among partners.

The meeting, held at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano, was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD), and it brought together key stakeholders including top officials from the ministry and its relevant agencies, as well as representatives of Essential Drug Officers, MCH Coordinators, representatives of In-state team, Zonal Warehouse Managers, Transborder Logistics, warehouse store officers both at central and zonal levels, some members of the DMCSA fleet unit, and implementing partners. The session focused on evaluating the performance of the last-mile delivery system, validating requisitions from facilities, and identifying bottlenecks in the distribution of commodities.

The meeting sets out to provide updates on stock positioning and integrated last-mile delivery activities. It also aims to identify operational gaps and develop practical solutions to ensure effective implementation and to agree on actionable next steps, with clear timelines and designated responsible persons to drive progress.

In her welcome address, the Family Planning Coordinator, Dr Aisha Barka, welcomed all participants to the meeting and wished for a fruitful deliberation.  

In his opening remarks, the Director Pharmaceutical Services and Chairman State Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee (SHCSS-C) Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to last-mile delivery, noting that “timely access to health commodities is critical to achieving universal health coverage in Kano State.”

Calling for proper documentation of all that had been done on supply chain management in the state, the DPS noted that Kano State Government remains committed to strengthening its health supply chain systems in line with national guidelines and global best practices.

In his contribution, Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Muhammad, the Director Public Health and Disease Control at the State Ministry of Health called on participants and other stakeholders to highlight their achievements and successes in supply chain activities through research and the presentation of well-developed conference papers. He further emphasized the need to strengthen existing frameworks to promote transparency and ensure accountability in commodity management.

During the meeting, resource persons, including Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, Director, the Drugs and Supply at Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) and Bello Muhammad Dandago, SSHCSS-C Focal Person at the State Primary Health Care Management Board, made presentations on fleet management operations, requisition management, as well as iLMD activities - family planning and essential medicines.

Later the participants have robust discussions on how to reconcile health facility commodity requisitions with actual needs and consumption data, evaluate stock status and delivery timelines, address challenges in logistics coordination and data reporting, and strengthen accountability mechanisms across all levels of the health supply chain.

Delivering goodwill messages, the representatives from development partners, such as the Africa Resource Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM), reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state’s efforts to ensure equitable and efficient distribution of health commodities.

On his part, the State Team Lead, C4SD, expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting will inform strategic adjustments in supply planning and delivery schedules, as well as guide continuous capacity building for logistics personnel at the Local Government Areas and facility levels. He also assured C4SD's determination to ensure commodity accountability in line with the state's accountability framework and work closely with the state’s programs and supply chain leadership to ensure remarkable improvements in the state's supply chain.

While outlining the next steps, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Pharm. Abdullahi A. Danzabuwa re-emphasized that the iLMD initiative has come to stay in the state.

KHETFUND Visits KSCHMA to Assess Fund Utilization for Vulnerable Group Program

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

In its unrelenting effort to continue supporting strategic health interventions in the state with a view to strengthen the health system and achieve universal health coverage, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has paid a working visit to the Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency (KSCHMA) to assess the utilization of funds disbursed for the enrollment of Vulnerable Group into KSCHCS (Kano State Contributory Health Care Scheme).

The visit, which took place on Thursday, was part of KHETFUND's commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of resources aimed at improving healthcare access for the residents of Kano State.

The KHETFUND has made two disbursements for KSCHMA interventions, releasing N23.2 million from August 2024 to February 2025 and another N34.3 million from March 2025 to August 2025.

The 2% Vulnerable Group allocation is a vital component of the KHETFUND initiative, targeting vulnerable groups. The disbursed funds are intended to provide access to quality healthcare services through the KSCHMA’s contributory scheme.

During the verification exercise, the KHETFUND team engaged with KSCHMA leadership to review financial records, beneficiary enrollment data, service delivery outcomes, and overall program impact. Later, the team also visited Unguwa Uku Primary Health Care and Hotoro North Primary Health Care to gain firsthand insights into the effectiveness of the program.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND, who was represented by Abubakar Bala the Director Admin and General Services, commended KSCHMA for its efforts in managing the vulnerable group program, stating:

“This visit underscores our shared responsibility to ensure that every naira allocated reaches those it is intended for. We are pleased with the level of transparency demonstrated so far, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with KSCHMA to further enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations.”

Responding, Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar, the Executive Secretary of KSCHMA, who was represented by Abdulhamid Sani Yakasai the Director Account and Investment, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement of healthcare delivery.

This verification exercise is part of a broader initiative by KHETFUND to institutionalize monitoring and evaluation mechanisms across all health funding interventions in Kano State, ensuring maximum impact and sustainability.

The Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency (KSCHMA) is responsible for implementing contributory health programs in Kano State, with a mandate to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare services to the teeming populace.

KHETFUND Visits DMCSA to Verify Remodeling of Drug Manufacturing Unit into QC Lab

By Maryam Abubakar Tukur 

The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has conducted a post-funding verification visit to the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Management Agency (DMCSA) to assess the recently completed remodeling of the Drug Manufacturing Unit into a modern Quality Control Laboratory.

The remodeling project, funded through KHETFUND's strategic health infrastructure development initiative, is aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical quality assurance systems in Kano State. The new laboratory is designed to conduct advanced quality control testing on drugs and medical consumables distributed across the state's healthcare facilities.

For the funding of this gigantic project, the State Government has released the sum of N60 million, while the KHETFUND disbursed N54.1 million.

During the visit, the KHETFUND delegation, led by the Executive Secretary Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen was received by the management of DMCSA, who conducted a comprehensive tour of the remodeled facility. The team inspected the structural modifications and adherence to pharmaceutical quality standards.

The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Director Operations Dr. Muhammad Lawan commended DMCSA for the successful execution of the project, emphasizing the significance of ensuring that drugs supplied to the public are safe, effective, and of high quality.

“This project represents a major milestone in our collective effort to safeguard public health in Kano State. A functional and well-equipped quality control laboratory is a crucial component of a resilient drug supply system. KHETFUND is proud to have supported this transformation,” Dr. Zahraddeen said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule expressed appreciation to KHETFUND for its continuous support and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining the facility in line with national and international best practices.

“With this upgraded Quality Control Lab, DMCSA is now better positioned to ensure that only safe and effective medicines reach the people of Kano. This would go a long way in boosting confidence in our drug supply chain,” Pharm. Sule, who was represented by the Director Drugs and Supply Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, said.

The visit marks an important step in KHETFUND’s mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in the utilization of public health funds across the state. The remodeled laboratory is expected to begin full operations soon.

Under the leadership of the Executive Secretary Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has become dedicated and committed to improving the quality of healthcare delivery in Kano through strategic funding, infrastructure development, and health system strengthening initiatives.

KHETFUND Team Visits KSACA for Paediatric ART Centre Intervention Verification

By Editor 

The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND), Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen has led a delegation Tuesday on a working visit to the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA). The purpose of the visit was to conduct a comprehensive assessment and post-funding verification of KHETFUND 2025 regular interventions at KSACA.

The interventions include the disbursement of N6.8 million for the variation of the construction of the Paediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre , as well as the procurement of furniture worth N5 million for the Center, which is located at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, but under the care of KSACA. The visit is part of the Fund's due diligence process to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with project goals.

Aimed at enhancing access to quality HIV treatment for children across the state, the Paediatric ART Centre is a flagship project under KSACA, reflecting the commitment of Kano State government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to improve paediatric healthcare and HIV response infrastructure..

Speaking during the visit, the Executive Secretary, who was represented by Abdulmalik Kabir the Head of Account, emphasized the importance of strategic oversight in project execution and reiterated the Fund’s commitment to supporting impactful health interventions across Kano State.

“This verification visit is crucial in ensuring that public funds are effectively utilized. We are committed to financing health initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations such as children living with HIV,” Dr. Zahraddeen said.

Earlier speaking, Dr. Usman Bashir, the Director-General of KSACA, who was represented by the Head of Account, welcomed the KHETFUND team and appreciated the Fund for its numerous impactful interventions not only at KSACA but across government agencies, healthcare facilities, and health institutions in the state.

“We are pleased to host the Executive Secretary and her team. The KHETFUND's interventions at KSACA are timely and will enhance the capacity of the Centre, ensuring it meets the highest standards of paediatric care,” Dr. Bashir said.

The Kano State Health Trust Fund is a public health financing institution established to support healthcare delivery systems and promote equitable access to quality health services across the state.

The Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids, on the other hand, is responsible for coordinating the state’s response to HIV/AIDS, including prevention, treatment, care, and support services.

Commissioner National Population Commission Inspects Birth Registration Tools Warehoused at Kano DMCSA

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Director General of the Drugs Management and Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has, on Monday, received the Commissioner of National Population Commission (NPC) Kano Office, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, who paid an official inspection visit to the agency’s central warehouse.

Dr. Tsanyawa was at the DMCSA to inspect critical working tools and equipment warehoused at the Agency for the registration of births across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

The tools, which are essential to strengthening civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, are being stored and managed by DMCSA in collaboration with the National Population Commission.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between the Agency and the NPC. He emphasized DMCSA’s commitment to providing efficient warehousing to support data-driven governance and public health planning.

"The accurate registration of births is a cornerstone of effective planning, health service delivery, and social development," said the DG. "We are honored to support the NPC in this mission by ensuring these tools are securely stored and ready for timely deployment across the state."

Pharm. Gali Sule assured the Commissioner of the security and optimal storage conditions of the materials.

On his part, the Commissioner Kano State National Population Commission, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa expressed satisfaction with the quality of storage and management of the materials. He noted that the inspection was part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration among government agencies in delivering accurate population data to support national development.

He noted that the materials are intended to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of birth registration services at both urban and rural levels.

“I am impressed with the professionalism of DMCSA in handling these vital materials,” the Commissioner stated. “This collaboration demonstrates our joint commitment to strengthening civil registration and ensuring every birth is properly documented in Kano State.

“The integrity of our civil registration system is paramount. These tools represent a vital step towards ensuring every birth in Kano State is accurately recorded,” the Commissioner explained, adding that, “This is not just about data – it's about planning and development. A functional CRVS system is the foundation of good governance.”

During the inspection, both parties reiterated their shared vision for a well-coordinated system that supports Nigeria’s demographic and health data infrastructure.

The National Population Commission (NPC) is a federal government agency responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of population data in Nigeria. The Commission also manages the country's civil registration system, including births, deaths, and other vital statistics..

KHETFUND Conducts Project Verification Visit to Northwest University

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has undertaken an official Post-Funding Verification visit to Northwest University to assess the implementation and delivery of key healthcare interventions, including the procument of 86 beds and mattresses for medical students and solar-powered energy system installed at the university's clinic.

The verification exercise, which took place on Thursday, is part of KHETFUND's commitment to ensure transparency, accountability, and impact in all funded projects aimed at strengthening the healthcare delivery system in Kano State.

The KHETFUND team, led by the Executive Secretary Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen toured the medical students' hostel and the clinic to inspect the installed beds and mattresses worth N17.3 million, and to verify the functionality and coverage of solar energy system procured under the initiative which costed N7.1 million.

“This visit is a crucial step in our Post-Funding Verification process. We are not only verifying the physical presence of the equipment but also assessing their quality, usage, and sustainability. Our goal is to ensure that every naira spent brings value to the healthcare system,” Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen said.

The solar intervention, in particular, aims to provide uninterrupted power supply at the clinic, ensuring continuous working in a conducive environment.

The management of the university expressed appreciation for the support from KHETFUND and reaffirmed their commitment to proper maintenance and utilization of the equipment and infrastructure provided.

The Kano State Health Trust Fund remains dedicated to improving healthcare access, infrastructure, and outcomes across the state through strategic and transparent funding and diligent oversight.

The members of the KHETFUND team comprised the representatives of civil society organizations, as well as members of the defunct Kano State Transition Committee for Health.

C4SD Supports Kano Health Ministry to Strengthen Data Collection on Essential Medicines, Family Planning Commodities

By Maryam Abubakar Tukur 

In a strategic move to enhance the availability and monitoring of essential medicines and family planning commodities, the Kano State Ministry of Health, through the Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee (SHCSS-C) with support from Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD), has organized a one-day onboarding of Local Government Essential Drug Officers (EDOs) and In-State Team (ISTs) for data collection on essential medicines and family planning commodities.

Speaking at the event, Pharm. Gali Sule, the Director-General Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency(DMCSA), said the initiative is aimed at improving data visibility, consistency, and timeliness of data collection and reporting across health facilities in the state.

"The meeting marks a significant step towards addressing long-standing gaps in supply chain data visibility, stock management, for informed decision-making in the health sector," the DG explained.

He charged the EDOs and ISTs to put the knowledge they acquired at the workshop by playing a critical role in gathering, validating, and reporting data on the availability and usage of essential medicines and reproductive health supplies.

Earlier speaking, the Director Pharmaceutical Services at the State Ministry of Health and Chairman Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee, Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu emphasized the importance of reliable data collection in the health system. 

“Reliable data is the foundation of an efficient health system. By strengthening our human resource capacity through the onboarding of these officers, we are laying the groundwork for better forecasting, procurement, and distribution of life-saving commodities.”

The onboarding, held at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, included a comprehensive orientation and capacity-building to EDOs and ISTs focused on standardized data collection tools and methodologies using digital platforms.

The ISTs and EDOs, who are deployed across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state, are tasked to ensure that even the most remote facilities are included in data management systems. Their work will directly support ongoing efforts to reduce stock-outs and align supply with real-time demand at all levels of care.

In his goodwill message, Pharm. Amos Gwazalyen, the State Team Lead for C4SD, said: “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving health outcomes through stronger data systems. These officers will be the backbone of our efforts to ensure quality and reliable data from health facilities for informed decision-making.”

Pharm. Isa Labaran, the State Logistics Management and Coordinating Unit (LMCU) Coordinator, said the objectives of the workshop are to have a data visibility of essential medicines and family planning commodities on a monthly basis through LGA EDOs and ISTs for primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities across the state, and to introduce the digital data collection tools to the data enumerators for effective implementation.

KHETFUND Visits KNCDC, Urology Center for Post-Funding Verification

By Maryam Abubakar Tukur 

As part of its relentless effort to ensure proper utilization of funds, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) team has visited the Center for Disease Control (KNCDC) and Abubakar Imam Urology Center to verify some funded interventions.

At the KNCDC, the KHETFUND has disbursed the sum of N15.6 million for the construction of five toilets and windows, while it also disbursed funds to Abubakar Imam Urology Center for the procurement of a dental chair worth N6.8 million and the repair of an ambulance at the cost of N3.74 million.

Speaking during the visit to the two centers, the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, who was represented by the Director Operation Dr. Lawan Adamu said the visit is a routine part of KHETFUND accountability framework — not just to verify that funds were used as intended, but more importantly, to learn from beneficiaries' experiences and assess outcomes

"Let me assure you that transparency, efficiency, and impact remain the core values of the KHETFUND. We are deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with institutions like yours to build a resilient health system that serves all, especially the most vulnerable," the ES emphasized.

She then commended the leadership and staff of both the KNCDC and the Abubakar Imam Urology Center for their commitment to improving public health and delivering quality services to citizens of Kano State.

"I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued dedication and cooperation. Let this visit not be the end of a funding cycle but a step toward deeper collaboration and greater service delivery in the health sector," Dr. Zahraddeen added.

Among the KHETFUND team during the visits are the representatives of civil society organizations, as well as members of Kano State Health Transition Committee.

Kano DMCSA Sets to Become a Mega Drug Distribution Hub

By Maryam Abubakar Tukur 

The Kano State Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has announced its strategic plan to transform the state into a mega drug distribution center, positioning Kano as a leading hub for pharmaceutical logistics and healthcare delivery across Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.

The Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule made this known when he received a high-level delegation from the national headquarters of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) who paid an inspection visit to the agency as a prerequisite for DMCSA to get registered as a mega drug distribution (MDD) center.

“Kano has the population, infrastructure, and strategic location to serve as a central point for drug distribution not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region,” the DG assured the PCN team.

He added that in line with the Federal Government’s National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) and the state government's renewed commitment to healthcare reform, the DMCSA is implementing a comprehensive restructuring of its operations, infrastructure, and partnerships. The goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and transparent access to quality drugs and other consumables.

The DG further assured the team that his agency will effeciently and effectively implement all recommendations made by the regulatory body, including upgrading of warehousing facilities to meet international standards for pharmaceutical storage and distribution, and capacity building for pharmacists and supply chain managers to strengthen service delivery, among others.

According to him, the agency is currently engaging relevant stakeholders to form a coordinated framework for sustainable drug distribution that benefits both urban and rural communities.

“This initiative aligns with the vision of Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for a healthier Kano. It will significantly boost access to qualitative drugs, reduce disease burden, and position Kano as a reference point in the pharmaceutical value chain," Pharm. Sule added.

On her part, the PCN team lead and Director Inspection, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance Dr. Amina Omar commended the DMCSA leadership for their efforts toward strict compliance with PCN regulations.

"I really wish to commend the management of Kano DMCSA for the transformation, with several infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, and enhanced intergrated last-mile distribution (iLMD) program launched across the state," she remarked.

Kano's ambition to become a mega drug distribution center is expected to support national efforts to drive economic growth through job creation, investment in logistics, and improved healthcare outcomes.

The Kano State Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency is a government agency established to manage the procurement, storage, and distribution of drugs and medical supplies for public health facilities in the state. It plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to safe and affordable medicines for the people of Kano.