By Magnus Emuji
The Manager of the Delta State Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), Pharm. Ochuko Ekpagha, has disclosed that the agency continues to supply essential medicines to 337 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state to strengthen healthcare service delivery.
Ekpagha made the disclosure in Asaba while receiving the State Chairman of the Civil Society Organization on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Pastor Gregory Sifo, alongside the State Programme Officer, Sir Austin Uwede, during an advocacy visit.
He expressed readiness to collaborate with relevant organisations that would positively impact the healthcare system, stressing that his priority remains ensuring the steady availability of drugs in healthcare facilities and government hospitals.
According to him, the volume of drugs supplied to healthcare centres and public hospitals is determined by their requisitions.
He therefore urged PHCs to prioritise requests for medicines addressing common primary healthcare needs, especially malaria treatment and other routine ailments.
Ekpagha also advised PHCs to request drugs and commodities that could last for at least three months, provided they remain within expiry dates, instead of placing small orders that run out within weeks.
He noted that repeated small-scale deliveries increase transportation costs and appealed to the Delta State Government to provide additional delivery vehicles to improve logistics and timely distribution.
Earlier, Pastor Sifo and Sir Uwede informed the DRF Manager that ACOMIN is involved in the implementation of free malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV testing programmes in 13 states, including Delta.
They explained that ACOMIN focuses mainly on advocacy and accountability, while partner organisations such as the Society for Family Health and Management Sciences for Health handle mobilisation and commodity supply to healthcare facilities.
The duo said the organisation regularly engages community leaders, pregnant women, and healthcare representatives to sensitise residents on the need to take ownership of their health centres and support improved service delivery.
They stressed that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of healthcare development.
During a visit to the Community-Driven Development Social Implementation Unit (CDDSIU) of the Delta CARES Project, the ACOMIN team commended the Project Director, Mrs. Akohneoareho Asanimo Orubu, and her staff for ongoing renovation works in healthcare facilities benefiting local communities.
They listed some of the local government areas where ACOMIN currently operates to include Oshimili North, Isoko North, Isoko South, Aniocha North, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Uwvie, among others.
Sifo and Uwede further revealed that during an advocacy visit to Ogbedibo community, residents appealed for support to renovate their healthcare centre.
They therefore urged CDDSIU to consider the community whenever additional funds become available for project implementation.
Responding, Mrs. Orubu confirmed that Ogbedibo community had earlier shown interest in the programme and that a Participatory Rural Appraisal had already been conducted there.
She said the community had identified its priority project and would be considered for renovation once more funds are available.
Orubu appreciated ACOMIN for the visit, describing it as timely and commendable, while reaffirming her commitment to effective service delivery.
