The Oyo State House of Assembly has taken the first reading of a bill to address the challenges of uncoordinated drug distribution in the pharmaceutical sector.

The bill was tagged “Oyo State Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency Bill, 2024”.

The bill was an executive bill sent to the State House of Assembly by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The letter reads: “The need to establish the Oyo State Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency is in accordance with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.

“This establishment seeks to address significant challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly uncoordinated drug distribution.”

While taking the first reading of the bill, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin said regulating drug distribution in the state is a lofty idea.

“This is because uncoordinated drug distribution has long plagued our healthcare system,” said Mr Ogundoyin.

“This bill marks a significant step towards streamlining our drug distribution system, ensuring that quality medications reach those who need them most.

“Some of the functions of the agency when established and as contained in the bill include procuring drugs not readily available in the state, delivering drugs to health facilities.

“It is also to devise a mechanism for a sustainable annual procurement plan for drugs and health commodities,” the speaker said.

(NAN)