The Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, has reiterated the commitment of the Gombe State Drug Management Agency, to rejig the health sector through the provision of quality and affordable drugs.
Dahiru made this known at the sixth GoHealth Provider Forum, while encouraging GoHealth healthcare providers to patronise the state drug management agency, GODMA.
He revealed that GODMA is poised to combat out-of-stock syndrome, and it’s prices are relatively cheaper in comparison with the quality, and offers healthcare facilities, value for money.
“The issue of out-of-stock syndrome has been highlighted severally, that is why the state government found it necessary to establish the Gombe State Drug Management Agency…the whole idea is to bring essential drugs that is of high quality to the facility.
“Those drugs in the market cannot be compared with the drugs from Gombe State Drug Management Agency…you cannot be a medical professional and compare drugs from the open market and the drugs from GODMA,” he said.
Dahiru emphatically stated that the drugs that are coming through GODMA have been tested in the state quality labs, and the manufacturers are aware that the state will never collect substandard drugs. He added that pharmaceutical companies whose drugs do not meet GODMA standards are completely banned from conducting any business with the state.
“I challenge you to buy drugs from GODMA and buy similar brands from the open market and observe your patients and see for yourself,” the Commissioner added.
Speaking earlier in his goodwill address, the acting Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Drug Management Agency (GODMA), Pharm. Abubakar Muhammed Santana, had earlier appreciated the agency for the wonderful synergy both agencies have enjoyed, and promised to sustain the tempo, to ensure that only qualitative drugs are deliver to the healthcare providers.
…Gombe gov approves capitation by 50 %, drugs 30 %
….. calls for increased service delivery in hospitals
Similarly, Gombe Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved the upward review of monthly capitations to healthcare facilities from N500 to N750 per life. The sum stands as the highest capitation paid by any state health insurance agency in the Northern part of the country, and in comparison with neighbouring States.
Subsequently, the drug price list has been reviewed upwards by 30 per cent to account for inflation, while professional tariffs retains status quo.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru at the sixth GoHealth Provider Forum.
With the increase, healthcare providers will see a surge in revenue as profit margins are expected to grow following GoHealth’s collaboration with the State Drug Management Agency (GODMA), as it will offer considerable waivers and discounts to GoHealth healthcare providers.
The Agency’s Team Lead, Dr. Abubakar Musa explained that before now facilities do lose N1 for every drug they administer to GoHealth patients, however with the review on drugs facilities will have a 20% profit margin, in comparison with the GODMA sales prices.
“We have surpassed the GODMA sales price by 20 per cent the price we are giving you now is higher than the price they asked you to sell,” the governor said.
He warned that facilities must now buckle up and ensure seamless service delivery, as to whom much is given, much is expected.
He called on the facility managers to ensure they purchase their drugs from GODMA, so as to ensure better value for money.
The governor warned that patients are now more aware of their rights, and can take hospitals to court when they are provided with substandard medical care.
He enjoined the facility to ensure they give the best medical care possible to all their patients, as the state will not hesitate to cease the licences and prosecute of those found wanting.
Dairus Samson
PRO
GoHealth
