Ogun Urges Pharmaceutical Firms On Supply Of Affordable Drugs

Pharmaceutical companies transacting business with Ogun State Government have been mandated to make their products more available, of a high standard and at a more competitive price to the State Hospitals.
According to a release signed by the Press Officer, Mrs. Gbemisola Ogolo, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye stated this during a meeting with representatives of the Pharmaceutical Companies in Abeokuta
Dr. Ipaye said, public health facilities remained the last hope of the people, hence drugs should be made available to them at affordable price.
The Commissioner who frowned at the scenario where private pharmaceutical stores sell at a cheaper price compared to public hospitals, saying the demand for such product by Government should be at minimum competitive approach that would make the price more affordable for the common man.
‘’I want to say it clearly that the State Government will no longer tolerate a situation whereby drugs and other medical items are sold more expensively in the public health facilities. Our hospitals must go back to how it used to be where drugs are always available, affordable and quality guaranteed’’, Ipaye submitted.
The Commissioner explained that a fresh negotiation between the State Government and pharmaceutical companies would be reached to dialogue on the way forward, urging them to cooperate for a good business relationship.
While emphasising on the position of Government, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Adesanya Ayinde said, affordable and efficient health care delivery at all levels remained the target of the present administration and would partner with any private organisation that could help in achieving this.
He said that by making drugs affordable and easily accessible in Government hospitals, more patients would receive treatment at the Government facilities which would boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.
Representative of Phillips Pharmaceutical Company, Mr. Mayor Khakhar who spoke on behalf of other stakeholders commended the State Government for prompt payment of purchased drugs, saying that the high cost of drugs could be linked to the unstable exchange rate in dollar which has affected the cost of raw materials.
The meeting however agreed on a yearly fixed pricing and purchase quantity to help bring down the price of drugs in State hospitals.