In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare delivery, the Plateau State Government, with support from the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), launched the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS) and commissioned a state-of-the-art Pharmaceutical-Grade Warehouse in Jos.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery through initiatives aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s vision.
The events mark a pivotal advancement in the health sector, aiming to bolster the health supply-chain system and deliver high-quality emergency medical services in Nigeria.
‘This initiative reflects the strong commitment of President Tinubu’s administration and the vision outlined in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Ini
tiative, aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and enhancing population health indicators,’ said Kachollom.
In a release signed by Ado Bako, AD (Information and PR) of the Ministry, Kachollom said the Ministry supported the initiative by donating an ambulance equipped with Basic Life Support equipment to encourage further resource provision for comprehensive emergency medical services in Plateau State.
The PLASEMSAS aims to deploy ambulances for swift response to emergencies, including medical crises, trauma incidents, or accidents, ensuring transportation to accredited healthcare facilities.
‘This integrated approach aims to deliver timely emergency responses, ensure high-quality pre-hospital care, reduce mortality rates, and fortify the overall healthcare system,’ Kachollom noted.
The upgraded Central Medical Store, now a state-of-the-art Pharma-Grade Warehouse, plays a critical role in establishing a robust health supply chain for distributing essential medicines and public health commodities.
‘The warehouse, built to global standards, is equipped with advanced technology, including a cold room, modern inventory management tools, and a mini-quality control laboratory, ensuring the efficient management and distribution of pharmaceutical supplies throughout the state.’
Speaking at the event, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang emphasized his administration’s dedication to enhancing healthcare quality and access across Plateau State.
‘The state-of-the-art Pharma-Grade Warehouse is poised to enhance the effective management and distribution of pharmaceutical supplies, addressing supply chain challenges and facilitating timely healthcare delivery throughout Plateau State,’ Governor Mutfwang stated.
Mutfwang also praised the collaboration with stakeholders, including the Global Fund, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, UNICEF, and Land Designs Limited, for their contributions to the successful upgrade of the warehouse.
He assured that his administration would continue to refine the
PLASEMSAS system, engaging with communities and stakeholders to seamlessly integrate the service into the broader healthcare framework.
The Governor expressed enthusiasm for the warehouse’s potential to support local pharmaceutical production, unveiling five locally manufactured products and pledging full support for collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure sustainability.
‘As a beacon of hope and progress, the warehouse symbolizes the collective commitment to affordable healthcare and serves as a testament to the transformative impact achievable through unity, shared vision, and diligent effort in building a healthier future for all Plateau citizens,’ Mutfwang added.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Plateau State Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, members of the State Executive Council, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Country Director of GHSC-PSM (USAID), Mr. Chris Wright.
With the launch
of these healthcare initiatives, Plateau State sets a precedent in Nigeria’s quest for Universal Health Coverage, ensuring timely, efficient, and accessible healthcare for all.
Source: Voice of Nigeria