BSUTH will form partnerships with pharmaceutical firms to provide long-term access to affordable medication

Partnering with pharmaceutical businesses in the country would provide a consistent supply of pharmaceuticals, consumables, and reagents to the Benue State University Teaching institution (BSUTH) in Makurdi, so the institution can improve its service delivery.

Dr. Stephen Hwande, BSUTH’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), made the announcement Thursday at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi’s BSUTH Conference Hall on the efficient supply of pharmaceuticals and hospital consumables.

Due to the scarcity of certain necessities, he said, the state must now work with pharmaceutical businesses, particularly those involved in importing medications and consumables, in order to meet its needs.

According to Dr. Hwande, the goal of the cooperation is to help the hospital achieve its ambition of being a world-class medical center in North Central Nigeria, a destination for medical tourists.

Having vital pharmaceuticals and consumables unavailable is the main cause of the high number of avoidable hospital fatalities and the poor life expectancy in the country, he explained. He stressed that things would improve if the hospital administration was really committed.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Dr. Yanmar Ortese was represented by a ministry director, Dr. Joshua Agbadu, who stated that the ministry backs all efforts made by BSUTH administration to enhance hospital services.

He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Hwande for the fresh perspectives he has been offering in an effort to enhance the healthcare facility.

Presenting a list of essential pharmaceuticals and supplies needed by each department for optimal operation, Prof. Michael Agbir, interim chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, emphasized that the availability of these items will enhance the health of the people of Benue.

Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, a former head of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), spoke at the event and stressed the need for healthy supply chain management in the country’s medical system.

He brought attention to the difficulties healthcare institutions encounter while trying to get their hands on necessary medications, describing drugs and consumables as the “lifeblood” of the healthcare delivery system worldwide.

According to Dr. Jimoh, this incident highlights the importance of healthcare supply chain management ensuring a steady supply of necessary consumables and medications.

He committed to facilitating BSUTH’s access to all resources necessary for efficient and environmentally friendly supply chain management through his network.

With the availability of funds, the hospital can access all the drugs and consumables needed, according to Emmanuel Idoko, director of Vincal Pharmaceuticals; Kelechi Onyemachi, representative of May and Baker in Benue; and Ambrose Mwargo, representative of Micro Noval Pharmaceuticals. All of these individuals have pledged their support to BSUTH.