The Cross River State Ministry of Health is exploring a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army Medical Corps as part of efforts to safeguard the state’s pharmaceutical supply chain and eliminate the circulation of counterfeit drugs.
The proposed collaboration came to the fore during an official assessment visit by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, to the 13 Brigade Medical Centre on Thursday, in Calabar. The visit was aimed at understudying the military facility’s pharmaceutical management and supply protocols as a possible model for drug distribution across the state.
Speaking after a comprehensive tour of the facility, Dr. Ayuk said the Ministry intends to present the proposal to the State Health Board for consideration. He explained that the partnership would leverage the production and supply capacity of the Nigerian Army Drug Manufacturing Company (NADMACO) to ensure the consistent availability of verified, high-quality medications in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Cross River State’s 18 local government areas.
The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the stringent standards observed at the medical centre, noting that a synergy with the Army Medical Corps would provide an added layer of protection for the state’s healthcare delivery system.
“I will have a meeting with the board and also arrange a follow-up engagement for a representative of the Medical Corps to formally present their products and supply chain model,” Dr. Ayuk said. He added that such a collaboration “will be of great help to Cross River State and its healthcare centres.”
Dr. Ayuk was received and guided on the tour by Captain (Dr.) Yakubu, who led the delegation through the pharmacy, patient wards, and other critical units of the facility. During the visit, the Commissioner observed clinical procedures and interacted with patients to assess the effectiveness of service delivery at the centre.
In his remarks, Captain (Dr.) Yakubu assured the state of the integrity and reliability of the military’s pharmaceutical supply chain, emphasizing that only verified drugs are stocked and dispensed.
“We will ensure that everything is available and ready for Cross River State. All our drugs are verified and free from counterfeits, with a wide range of medications, including syrups for children and drugs for women,” he stated.
Kingsley Agim/Jessica Ubi
