The Director-General of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, DMCSA, Pharmacist Gali Sule, says the agency is exploring emergency procurement processes, with support from the Federal Government, to address gaps in the supply of essential medical commodities.
Pharmacist Gali Sule stated this at a one-day procurement planning meeting of relevant stakeholders and consultants ahead of the agency’s 12th tender process scheduled for 2027.
He explained that the emergency procurement mechanism would complement existing procurement processes and help strengthen the state’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Director-General said the state had recorded significant improvements in its supply chain system since 2023, particularly in the availability and affordability of medicines and other medical commodities.
He, however, acknowledged that gaps still existed in commodity coverage, stressing the need for sustained efforts to ensure that residents across Kano State had access to quality and affordable medical supplies.
Pharmacist Gali Sule expressed optimism that the forthcoming tender process would further consolidate the gains recorded in the pharmaceutical sector and improve the availability of essential commodities across the state.
He also called for greater consideration of suppliers supporting the state’s pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly through measures that could encourage competitive pricing and improve the sustainability of their operations.
The Director-General said Kano State was also participating in the Group Purchasing Framework as part of efforts to strengthen medicine procurement and supply chain management.
In his welcome address, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Kano State Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Kamilu Mudi Salisu, said the procurement planning meeting was crucial to the success of the forthcoming tender process.
Pharmacist Kamilu explained that the 2027 exercise would introduce an electronic tendering system, describing it as a significant improvement over the conventional process that had been used by the agency since 2012.
He said the electronic system was expected to reduce the time, cost and workload associated with the tender process, particularly during the evaluation of bids, while improving efficiency and documentation.
Pharmacist Kamilu expressed appreciation to development partners for their support towards strengthening the state’s procurement system, and expressed optimism that the electronic tender process would improve access to quality and affordable medicines and could provide a model for other states to adopt.
Radio Nigeria reports that the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, DMCSA, is responsible for sourcing and supplying medicines and medical consumables to all government-owned health facilities across the state.
Editing By Khadija Kubau
