The Bauchi State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (DMMA) has expanded its Drugs Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme to 616 public health facilities across the state to improve access to affordable and quality medicines.
Managing Director of the agency, Abdulkadir Ahmed, disclosed this during a step-down training for health workers, noting that about 800 staff from 264 facilities are being trained on effective management of the scheme. The DRF, established ten years ago, ensures the continuous availability of essential medicines and medical consumables in public health facilities.
Ahmed said the expansion was approved by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and is aimed at covering at least 50 per cent of health facilities in the state. He added that the government has provided N500 million for recapitalisation, training and the procurement of essential commodities, as well as approved the construction of a modern drug storage warehouse.
He identified challenges such as a shortage of pharmacists and last-mile drug distribution but expressed optimism that improved remuneration and the planned purchase of distribution buses in the 2026 budget would address the issues.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, said the DRF has reduced out-of-pocket expenses for patients and improved access to healthcare services.
