The Ondo State Government has commissioned an upgraded Central Medical Store in a major move to improve drug quality and healthcare delivery across the state.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the commissioning event, emphasized that health remains a top priority of his administration.
He described the upgraded facility as a “bold step” towards eliminating counterfeit and substandard drugs from the state’s supply chain.
“It became imperative to upgrade the facility to a Pharma-grade Warehouse that adheres to international best practices for drug storage, thereby protecting the potency, safety, and quality of all health commodities,” the governor said.
He credited the project’s success to a partnership between the state government, the Federal Government (FG), and the Global Fund, made possible through counterpart funding.
Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that strict procurement policies are now in place to ensure that drugs are sourced only from licensed manufacturers and importers.
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The new facility is expected to enhance inventory management, reduce waste, and ensure timely delivery of medicines to hospitals and clinics.
The state also partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to produce the first edition of the Ondo State Essential Medicines List, aimed at standardizing drug availability across public health institutions.
Pharm Amos Ayegbusi, Executive Secretary of the State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, praised the governor’s support, while Mrs. Celine Onunkwo, who represented the Coordinating Minister of Health, described the facility as a “critical milestone” toward achieving universal health coverage.
Professor Simidele Odimayo, represented by Mr. Adeniran Ikuomola, lauded the governor’s vision in strengthening the health sector.
Top government officials, traditional rulers, and health stakeholders were in attendance.
