The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health has reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to policies and programmes aimed at ensuring quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services for Deltans.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon (Chief) Ferguson Onwo PhD, stated this during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the Delta State Drug Revolving Fund in Asaba.
Hon Onwo explained that the visit was part of the constitutional responsibility of lawmakers to monitor the activities of government agencies, assess performance and identify areas requiring legislative intervention.
He stressed that the exercise was not intended to witch-hunt any individual or agency, but to provide an avenue for constructive engagement and accountability.
According to him, “Oversight is one of our constitutional responsibilities as lawmakers. We are here to see what you are doing, understand your achievements and challenges, and determine how the House can assist you to deliver effectively on your mandate”.
Flanked by members of the committee, including Hon. Emeka Osamuta, Hon. Bernard Odior, Hon. Perkins Umukoro and Hon. Festus Utuama, the Chairman noted that the Drug Revolving Fund occupies a strategic position in the state’s healthcare delivery system.
The Lawmaker who represents Isoko South 11, said the agency’s responsibility for the procurement and distribution of quality drugs to health institutions across the state made it imperative for the committee to interface with its management and obtain first-hand information on its operations.
Hon. Onwo further assured the management that the committee would consider issues raised during the visit, particularly those requiring legislative support, to strengthen the effectiveness of the Drug Revolving Fund.
Responding, the Fund Manager of the Delta State Drug Revolving Fund, Mr. Ochuko Ekpagha, described the lawmakers’ visit as timely and long overdue.
Mr. Ekpagha said the agency had ensured the distribution of certified and quality drugs to more than 60 hospitals and primary healthcare centres across the state.
He noted that access to quality drugs was critical to achieving improved health outcomes for residents and commended the state government and the House of Assembly for their support.
The Fund Manager, however, appealed for further legislative intervention to enable the agency overcome some operational challenges.
He listed the areas requiring urgent attention to include the acquisition of additional distribution vehicles, provision of modern laboratory equipment and improved staffing to enhance the agency’s capacity to meet the growing demands of healthcare institutions.
“We appreciate this oversight visit because it gives us the opportunity to present what we have achieved and also draw attention to areas where we need support. With improved logistics, equipment and manpower, we will be able to serve the health institutions across the state more efficiently,” he said.
The lawmakers subsequently inspected ongoing works at the Drug Revolving Fund warehouse, where they assessed facilities being developed for the safe and efficient storage of pharmaceutical products.
The committee expressed satisfaction with the progress of work while stressing the need for facilities used for the storage and distribution of drugs to meet appropriate standards.
The oversight visit is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Delta State House of Assembly and the Drug Revolving Fund, and further improve the availability of quality medicines across health institutions in the state.
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