In a decisive effort to address persistent drug shortages across public health facilities, the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth) has launched an interest-free loan scheme for healthcare providers.
The initiative, announced during the agency’s first provider forum of the year, aims to support the purchase of essential medicines and medical consumables and ensure an uninterrupted drug supply across accredited health facilities.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the agency Dairus Samson obtained on Thursday in Gombe.
According to the statement Dr Abubakar Musa, Executive Secretary of GoHealth, described the intervention as a critical step toward strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
“We are committed to making quality medicines available at all times, especially for the most vulnerable in our communities,” Musa said. “This interest-free loan scheme will help healthcare facilities maintain functional Drug Revolving Funds and permanently address the challenge of stockouts.”
The scheme is being implemented in collaboration with GoPharma through the Gombe Drug Management Agency (GODMA), which will supply the drugs at affordable rates. GoHealth officials say this partnership is designed to guarantee a consistent pipeline of high-quality medications.
Musa also urged providers to uphold transparency and accountability in managing both the drugs and the financial resources provided under the scheme.
Dr. Ayuba Baka, Head of Standards and Quality Assurance at GoHealth, unveiled aspects of the agency’s broader strategic plan, which includes streamlined enrolment procedures and intensified community outreach.
“The success of this program depends on data accuracy and active community participation. We’re counting on our providers to bring eligible clients into the system,” Baka noted.
GoPharma representative, Pharmacist Rabiu, reassured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
“We are fully aligned with GoHealth in this mission. Our focus is to ensure medicines are not only available but also affordable and of uncompromised quality,” he said.
Representatives from the Gombe State Ministry of Health, the Hospital Services Management Board, GODMA, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and other development partners offered goodwill messages during the forum, commending the agency’s leadership and urging full cooperation from healthcare providers.
“This is a well-thought-out and much-needed intervention. Everyone must work together to ensure its impact reaches the grassroots,” one official remarked.
With this move, GoHealth positions itself as a key player in the push for accessible and sustainable healthcare in Gombe State.
