By Maryam Garba Balarabe
The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has organized a two-day workshop on the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Integrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD) and Fleet Management, as part of efforts to strengthen the healthcare supply chain system in the state.
The workshop, supported by the Gates Foundation through Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD), brought together key stakeholders from the Kano State Ministry of Health and its agencies, implementing partners, and technical experts to collaboratively design operational frameworks that align with national guidelines and international best practices.
Speaking during the opening session, the Director General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule, emphasized the importance of establishing clear and standardized operational procedures in all activities of the Agency.
According to him, the development of SOPs is critical to ensuring professionalism, efficiency, accountability, and adherence to global best practices in the management and distribution of drugs and medical consumables across Kano State.
Pharm. Gali Sule further commended development partners, particularly the Gates Foundation's Strengthening Integrated Last Mile Delivery and Supply Visibility Project, for their continuous technical support to the Agency through Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD).
He noted that the partnership has significantly contributed to strengthening the state’s health systems and improving service delivery mechanisms.
In his welcome address, the Director Pharmaceutical Services, Kano State Primary Health Care Board, Pharm. Abdullahi A. Danzabuwa noted that after procurement, last-mile delivery is the most costly part of the supply chain system. He stressed the need to make the iLMD system work effectively, adding that everyone must understand their roles and responsibilities. He prayed that Allah would grant participants the wisdom to produce a concrete document.
Delivering goodwill message, the State Lead C4SD reiterated the project's commitment to the continued improvement in the health commodity supply chain of Kano State in line with international best practices.
In his presentation, Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, the Technical Assistant to DMCSA, explained that the workshop focused on developing practical and sustainable SOPs for Integrated Last-Mile Delivery and Fleet Management, aimed at enhancing efficiency and ensuring the timely distribution of essential health commodities to healthcare facilities across the state.
He also noted that the expected outcomes of the workshop include the establishment of a robust framework for effective fleet management and last-mile delivery operations, ultimately improving healthcare service delivery, especially at the grassroots level.
Also speaking, Pharm. Salisu Hashim Muhammad, the Director of Drugs and Supply at DMCSA, who enumerated the objectives of the workshop, assured participants of the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that the SOPs developed are practical, sustainable, and responsive to the healthcare delivery needs of Kano State.
Participants at the workshop engaged in technical sessions and collaborative discussions designed to produce comprehensive operational guidelines that will standardize processes, improve coordination, and enhance accountability within the health supply chain system.
The workshop represents another milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Kano State Government, stewarded by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to strengthen the health sector and guarantee the availability and efficient distribution of essential medicines and medical consumables across the state.
The seasoned technical experts at the event include Dr. Aisha Barka, Coordinator of Reproductive Health and Family Planning at the State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Isah Bala Musa, Director Pharmaceutical Services at the Hospital Management Board, and Mansura Yahaya Haruna, the State Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Coordinator, among other stakeholders and professionals in the health sector.
The workshop concluded with a session on next steps, led by the standing chairman, Pharm. Abdullahi A. Danzabuwa. He commended participants for attending over the weekend and prayed for their safe return to their destinations.
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