Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared war against counterfeit drugs particularly from public health facilities to ensure residents safety. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa noted that one of the most significant health threats in the country and Africa at large was the widespread circulation of counterfeit and substandard drugs. 

He stated this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the newly upgraded Central Medical Stores to a Pharma-grade Warehouse in Akure, the state capital. 

“With this facility, we are taking concrete steps to eliminate fake medicines from our supply chain. We have instituted strict procurement policies to ensure that all drugs are sourced exclusively from registered and reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers,” the governor said. 

He explained that health remained a top priority of his administration, stressing that access to safe, quality, and affordable medicines was a fundamental part of the government’s commitment to building a healthier environment. 

According to Mr Aiyedatiwa, the newly upgraded Central Medical Store is a major leap in strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system and a bold step toward eliminating substandard drugs.

The governor added that the upgrade was the result of a strategic partnership among the Ondo State Government, the Federal Government, and the Global Fund through counterpart funding arrangements.

He stated that the facility would not only ensure optimal storage conditions but would also enhance inventory management, reduce wastage, and guarantee the timely and safe distribution of health commodities to hospitals and clinics across the state.

“It became imperative to upgrade the facility to a Pharma-grade Warehouse that adheres to international best practices for drug storage, thereby protecting the potency, safety, and quality of all health commodities.”

The governor assured residents that the new warehouse would also strengthen quality assurance mechanisms and procurement systems.

Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, Amos Ayegbusi, described the event as a good step in strengthening the state’s healthcare system. 

Mr Ayegbusi, a pharmacist, commended Mr Aiyedatiwa for his support, particularly for the prompt release of counterpart funds that enabled the project’s timely completion. 

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, also described the facility as a critical milestone towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. 

Mr Pate, represented at the event by the Coordinator of the National Product Supply Chain Management Program, Celine Onunkwo, emphasized that the warehouse would serve as the backbone of an integrated, efficient system for storing and distributing essential medicines and public health commodities.

She commended Mr Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to healthcare development and called for sustained investment in distribution networks and warehouse maintenance to ensure long-term success.

The Special Adviser on Health to the Governor, Simidele Odimayo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Adeniran Ikumola, stated that the successful upgrade and commissioning of the Central Medical Store reflected the governor’s dedication to building a resilient and efficient healthcare system.

Mr Odimayo said that such investments would have lasting impacts on service delivery and access to essential medicines for the people of the state.