By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Abuja | September 13, 2025
The Federal Government has launched a digitalised inventory consignment model to end recurring shortages of essential medicines in public hospitals, pledging transparency, affordability, and steady access for patients across Nigeria.
At a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said the model is part of a national strategy to strengthen the supply chain and reduce the financial burden on patients.
“Our job as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is first and foremost to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and deliver health for all Nigerians,” she stressed, urging collaboration among the ministry’s departments, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and tertiary hospital managers.
Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, explained that the digital model is designed to prevent stockouts, cut costs, and improve service delivery nationwide. “Once we go into this partnership, it will be better for all Nigerians,” he said.
Pharmacist Yakubu James, who represented the Food and Drugs Services Department, assured participants that the initiative aligns with the national drug supply chain strategy, while Prof. Eme Bassey, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors, welcomed the move but cautioned that urgent patient needs must be balanced with procedural transparency.
The engagement brought together key ministry officials, CMDs of federal tertiary health institutions, representatives of the Pharmacy Council, and other stakeholders. Discussions focused on tackling delays, waste, and theft in hospital drug management, with participants agreeing that digitalisation would close long-standing gaps.
Officials expressed confidence that the initiative will eliminate the “stock-out syndrome” in federal hospitals and advance universal health coverage by ensuring reliable, affordable access to medicines.
