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FG introduces nationwide digital inventory.
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Hospitals push concerns on urgent procurement delays.
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Model targets universal health coverage and affordability.
The Federal Government digital inventory model for essential medicines has been launched to address long-standing shortages in federal and national hospitals.
The initiative, unveiled at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, is anchored on a digitalised consignment approach designed to guarantee consistent drug availability and affordability across public facilities.
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According to a statement signed by Mr. Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Information & Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, the scheme is aligned with the national supply chain management strategy for essential medicines.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Daju Kachollom, explained that the model would close supply gaps and reduce financial burdens on patients. She stressed that saving lives remained the ministry’s foremost mandate.
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Director of the Hospital Services Department, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, stated that the plan would reduce costs, strengthen service delivery, and improve collaboration.
In his words, “Once we go into this partnership, definitely it will be better for all Nigerians. The goal is to strengthen service delivery, introduce a digitalised consignment model for essential medicines, and promote stakeholder collaboration.”
Pharmacist Yakubu James, who represented the Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department, said the engagement was part of broader efforts to align with national drug supply chain reforms.
Chairman of the Chief Medical Directors Committee, Prof. Eme Bassey, welcomed the move but cautioned that hospitals still face hurdles in managing real-time procurement of drugs in emergencies. He warned that urgent supply challenges must not be overlooked in the new system.
Officials emphasised that the programme would reshape essential medicine distribution nationwide, ensuring hospitals are adequately stocked, patients are better served, and Nigeria’s goal of universal health coverage is strengthened.
