Ogun disseminate guidelines for better accountability in drug management

Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, has asserted that the health system cannot effectively function without a reliable supply chain, hence the creation of the Ogun State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency, OGDHCMA.

Coker noted that the agency is to serve as the operational backbone of Drug Revolving Fund, DRF, Scheme.

She stated this on Tuesday during the official presentation of the Operational Guideline, DMA, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manuals for the Scheme, emphasising that the guidelines was more than documents but a guarantee transparency and accountability in drug management, that would prevent stock-outs and misuse of funds.

“This is another bold step in strengthening our health system by ensuring continuous access to safe, affordable and quality medicines in all our health facilities,” she added.

She acknowledged the invaluable support of development partners such as Resolve to Save Lives and the Clinton Health Access Initiative among other stakeholders for their technical and financial contributions, charging participants to adhere to the practice in every health facility, as the success of the guidelines depends on the right implementation of the manual.

In her welcome address, Executive Secretary OGDHCMA, Dr Olufunke Oyeneye, explained that the newly developed Operational Guidelines manual is a crucial initiative aimed at improving efficiency, fostering innovations and ensuring compliance to achieve sustainable access to quality and affordable drugs as well as health commodities in the state.

She appreciated Dr Coker and other stakeholders for their continued support, expressing confidence that the adoption and implementation of the policy would guarantee a successful scheme.

In their separate remarks, representatives of CHAI and Project Hope, Dr Muekara Dugbor and a Senior Analyst and Programme Officer at Project Hope, Dr Adanna Egwu, emphasised the willingness of their various organisations to keep supporting the state.

Ogun disseminate guidelines for better accountability in drug management