For years, federal hospitals in Nigeria have struggled with drug shortages, fluctuating stock levels and rising costs that make essential medicines difficult for many patients to access.
To address these gaps, the Federal Government (FG) has introduced a digital consignment model expected to improve both availability and affordability nationwide.
Announcing the measure at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, explained that the project is part of the national strategy for drug supply chain management.
She said the system will help hospitals maintain reliable stock while easing the financial burden on patients.
“We should never forget that our job as Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare is to save lives. First and foremost, save lives,” Kachollom said. This initiative is about “reducing both physical and financial pain and, produce health for all Nigerians.”
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The Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, mni, described the model as a game changer, noting that digital tracking will close supply chain gaps, strengthen hospital service delivery and reduce drug prices. He emphasised that the approach depends on strong collaboration among stakeholders.
Also at the meeting, Pharmacist Yakubu James, representing the Director of the Food and Drugs Services Department, pledged the Department’s support, adding that the plan aligns with national supply priorities.
While commending the rollout, the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors, Prof. Eme Bassey, drew attention to the practical realities of drug management in hospitals.
He said emergency needs often arise faster than procurement processes can handle and call for flexibility alongside transparency.
In a statement, the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, said the engagement underscored government’s resolve to end the “stock-out syndrome” in tertiary hospitals.
He added that digitalisation of inventories would promote transparency, reduce wastage and curb diversion of drugs and consumables.
Officials expressed optimism that with full stakeholder cooperation, the digital consignment model will significantly transform the distribution of essential medicines and advance the goal of universal health coverage.
