Health
Lagos Set To Establish Essential Medicines Agency
Lagos State Government has announced plans to establish the Lagos State Essential Medicines Agency (LSEMA) to ensure seamless management and distribution of essential medicines within the state.
State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this during the Ministry of Health’s Year 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
He explained that the establishment of LSEMA represents a pivotal initiative aimed at transforming the management and distribution of essential medicines, in line with the Federal Government’s mandate for every state to set up a Drug Management Agency.
“The establishment of a Drug Management Agency is designed to address significant challenges in the supply chain by introducing a structured and technologically driven approach to the procurement, storage, and distribution of health commodities,” he said.
Professor Abayomi highlighted several benefits of the Essential Medicines Agency, including robust regulation of medicine flow, improved access to quality drugs, enhanced health planning data, and increased internal revenue generation through efficient drug sales. He also noted that the application of economies of scale during bulk purchases would help maintain stable prices for essential medicines regardless of economic fluctuations.
“We are now at the stage where we are beginning to track the need for a medical drug agency for Lagos State to make sure we control the prices of drugs with economies of scale and bulk purchasing, improve the quality of drugs in Lagos by providing additional quality assessment of the drugs that are brought into Lagos, and to improve the efficiency of movement of drugs through our facilities so that we will never have a situation of stock out,” Professor Abayomi added.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, stating that LSEMA would leverage productive partnerships with the private sector to enhance operational capacities. The agency will act as a regulator, ensuring close cooperation with national regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to maintain strict quality standards for all essential medicines distributed within the state.
“Recognizing the value of collaboration, LSEMA will leverage Public-Private Partnerships to enhance operational capacities. This approach will combine public oversight with private sector efficiency and creativity, particularly in areas such as logistics and the day-to-day management of drug supplies,” Professor Abayomi stated.
To address funding challenges, the agency will explore innovative financing models, including private sector investments. The financial structure is designed to ensure the agency is self-sustaining, with revenues generated through the sale of medicines.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to addressing significant challenges in the supply chain of essential medicines, Professor Abayomi noted that the strategic direction of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is focused on transforming the health sector from a cost centre to a significant contributor to the state’s economy.
“We envision a system where every Lagosian has access to quality healthcare, supported by efficient, technology-driven management systems, and a clear, comprehensive referral system. Our efforts are guided by the vision of developing a robust, egalitarian, and liberal health system that ensures equitable access and freedom of choice for all residents,” he said.
On health infrastructure development, Professor Abayomi mentioned that the blueprint for the state’s medical infrastructural development is nearing completion. It incorporates design elements of renewable energy, improved functionality, and ease of maintenance, aiming to significantly improve efficiency, comfort, and reduce operational costs.
The Commissioner also announced the commencement of several key projects, including the new 150-bed Massey Children’s Specialist Hospital, the 280-bed Ojo General Hospital, the 500-bed Ketu Ejinrin Mental Health Institute, the 120-bed Shomolu General Hospital, and the construction of four new Primary Healthcare Centers in Iworo, Ikaare, Idafa, and Agunfoye.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi disclosed that the Lagos State has concluded plans to commence a free medical outreach programme tagged, Alafia Eko, targeting 25,000 residents across the six lagos health districts.
Elaborating on the forthcoming medical outreach initiative, she highlighted the significant efforts being made under Mr. Governor’s Eko Cares program to provide free, comprehensive medical check-ups to Lagos residents.
“We are planning to start the medical outreach across the six health districts on the 30th of May. Each district will have four units, aiming to serve about a thousand citizens per unit, totalling approximately 25,000 individuals across the six districts.
“This service will be provided at no cost to the residents under the Eko Cares initiative, designed to deliver essential healthcare services to the people of Lagos, thereby supporting the overarching goal of equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents”, Dr. Ogunyemi announced.
She explained that the first phase of the outreach will begin on the 30th of May, followed by the second phase on the 6th of June. Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of dividing Lagos into health districts to enhance the efficiency of primary healthcare delivery.
“Lagos is vast, and primary healthcare is crucial. Dividing the state into districts has significantly improved our efficiency. We now have six hardworking Permanent Secretaries dedicated to ensuring that each district and its citizens receive access to affordable, quality healthcare,” she stated.
Ogunyemi stated that the program, branded as Alafia Eko, is a testament to the commitment of the Lagos State Government to provide top-notch healthcare services and ensure that every resident has access to the medical care they need.
“This initiative reflects the strategic direction of the current administration to transform the health sector from a cost center to a significant contributor to the state’s economy”, she concluded.
Kogi State battles HIV/AIDS with treatment access, community awareness, and a call for an anti-stigma law to combat discrimination.
As part of activities marking World AIDS Day 2024, the Kogi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KOSACA), in collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), has reaffirmed its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS in the state.
The event, held in Lokoja, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, ensure treatment access, and tackle stigma.
Also read: NACA Hosts first HIV prevention conference in Nigeria
Ibrahim Anate, the Acting Executive Secretary of KOSACA, revealed that 36,066 individuals are currently receiving treatment in Kogi State.
He emphasised the state government’s dedication under Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure that HIV-positive pregnant women deliver HIV-negative babies and that those living with the virus continue to access life-saving treatments.
Despite progress, Anate noted that security challenges in certain areas of the state hinder patients from accessing treatment.
He also called on Governor Ododo to assent to the recently passed Anti-Stigma HIV law, which aims to empower people living with HIV/AIDS to disclose their status without fear of discrimination.
“When the governor assents to this law, people who are HIV positive can have the confidence to come out and declare their status. Many can’t do this because of the stigmatization in society,” he stated.
Inyama Lawrencia, the Kogi State Technical Lead of CIHP, voiced concerns over mother-to-child HIV transmission in the state. She urged pregnant women to attend antenatal care to know their HIV status and access necessary interventions.
“We have been working in communities to sensitise women and encourage them to come out en masse to know their status. However, financial constraints prevent some women from seeking antenatal services,” she said.
The state government and its partners are intensifying outreach efforts, especially in hard-to-reach areas, to ensure no one is left behind.
Anate reaffirmed that with continued support from the government and stakeholders, the fight against HIV/AIDS would remain steadfast.
Kogi State’s commitment to eliminating HIV/AIDS reflects a broader vision for improved public health, greater inclusivity, and the eradication of stigma against people living with the virus.
Oyo State has shut down two hospitals after suspected Lassa Fever cases and four related deaths, with intensive decontamination underway.
The Oyo State Government has closed two hospitals in response to a suspected Lassa fever outbreak, which has reportedly claimed four lives in Saki West Local Government Area.
The closures aim to prevent further spread as state health authorities work to contain the virus.
Also read: Lassa fever: NCDC records 84 deaths in seven weeks
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, confirmed the fatalities, which included three men and a 32-year-old woman preparing for her wedding.
The infections are believed to have originated from an apprentice at one of the affected hospitals who had returned from Iwajowa and later exhibited symptoms.
The apprentice is suspected to have inadvertently transmitted the virus to her co-workers and the hospital owner.
One of the hospitals involved recorded all four deaths, prompting its immediate closure. The second hospital, where the deceased hospital owner was admitted without prior knowledge of the suspected Lassa fever, has also been sealed for decontamination. The doctor who treated the owner is now under medical surveillance.
“Three of the deceased exhibited classic Lassa fever symptoms, including craniofacial bleeding,” explained Dr Ajetunmobi. “The hospital owner showed fatigue and attempted self-treatment before his symptoms worsened, leading to his hospital admission.”
The Health Ministry’s rapid response team has initiated extensive contact tracing, especially focusing on high-risk contacts involved in the deceased’s bathing and burial rituals.
Intensive decontamination procedures are being conducted in the closed hospitals to safeguard public health.
Dr Ajetunmobi has urged the public to remain vigilant and practice proper hygiene to limit potential exposure to the virus, advising prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.
The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) reports a severe economic crisis that is driving private hospitals to close, while self-medication practices are leading to rising organ failures and deaths across the country.
The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has raised an alarm over the collapse of private hospitals in Nigeria due to the worsening economic crisis.
Dr. Odia Festus Ihongbe, the Chairman of ANPMP, revealed that the dire economic situation is driving many Nigerians to self-medicate, leading to organ failure and increasing mortality rates.
Also read: Nursing mother stranded in hospital, alleges husband diverted medical fund
Dr. Ihongbe stated that morgues are now filled with bodies while hospital beds remain empty, as people only seek medical help when it is too late.
“The situation has become critical. People come to hospitals only when their condition is at a terminal stage, hoping for miracles. Some even plan to die in hospitals, possibly due to family confusion,” Dr. Ihongbe lamented.
He further revealed that many Nigerians are resorting to searching for symptoms online and purchasing drugs from chemists until their conditions worsen to the point of no return.
“By the time they come to us, it is usually too late, and we end up issuing death certificates because they are not coming in for treatment but just to make arrangements for burial,” he added.
The ANPMP chairman also voiced concern about the recent approval of a N70,000 minimum wage by the federal government, stating that most private hospitals are unable to afford the new wage due to a lack of revenue.
He pointed out that the private sector employs a significant portion of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, including doctors, nurses, and other professionals, yet the sector continues to be neglected by the government.
“How will private hospitals pay the N70,000 minimum wage? We employ the majority of the healthcare staff in Nigeria, yet we receive no support from the government,” Dr. Ihongbe said.
He also noted that the prices of essential medical supplies and equipment have soared due to the ongoing foreign exchange crisis, making it increasingly difficult for hospitals to operate.
“For example, the price of an oxygen machine, which used to cost N25,000, has now skyrocketed to over N1.5 million,” he said, adding that the escalating cost of medical supplies was unsustainable for many private hospitals.
Dr. Ihongbe criticized the Nigerian government’s failure to address the challenges facing the healthcare system, particularly the collapse of the national health insurance scheme, which he said has been ineffective for over 20 years.
He noted that only a small percentage of the population has access to health insurance, and even this small coverage has not provided adequate financial support for medical care.
“The national health insurance system, which could have been a solution, has been destroyed. It only covers a tiny fraction of the population, and the premium increases have done little to address the real issues,” he explained.
He further highlighted that the rising cost of basic medications and supplies, such as paracetamol and syringes, has placed a significant burden on Nigerians, with prices escalating beyond the reach of most citizens.
“A pack of syringes that used to cost N250 now costs over N7,000. How do they expect Nigerians to survive under these conditions?” Dr. Ihongbe asked.
The ANPMP chairman expressed grave concern about the alarming number of deaths occurring daily due to the lack of access to affordable healthcare.
He warned that unless urgent measures are taken to address the healthcare crisis, many more Nigerians will continue to suffer and die needlessly.
Dr. Ihongbe also called for the government to take serious action to revive the national health insurance system and provide better support to the private healthcare sector, which plays a crucial role in delivering medical services to the majority of the population.
In conclusion, he emphasized that the only way to address the current healthcare crisis is for the government to adequately fund the health insurance scheme and ensure that private hospitals are supported with the necessary resources to provide quality care to Nigerians.
“If the health insurance system was working properly, hospitals would be able to meet their financial obligations and provide better services to the people,” Dr. Ihongbe said.
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