By ADEMOLA TIJANI
The Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) has announced an important milestone: the commencement of the manufacturing of various pharmaceutical products. In an interview with news reporters on Thursday in Jos, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Kim Bot, shared this significant development.
As a qualified pharmacist, Bot explained that the agency has successfully manufactured five distinct pharmaceutical products locally. The items produced include a cough syrup, an antacid known as Mist. Magnesium Trisilicate for oral use, methylated spirit, which serves as an antiseptic for external applications, and sanitizers intended for cleaning surfaces.
Bot emphasized that the efficacy of these products has been rigorously tested, yielding outstanding results. He mentioned that the agency is currently working on the necessary processes to have these products registered and certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This step is crucial for ensuring the products meet the required safety and quality standards.
Furthermore, the Executive Secretary indicated that the agency is prepared to initiate full-scale production as soon as it receives the official NAFDAC registration and certification. He also pointed out that the majority of the raw materials used in manufacturing these products were sourced locally, with only one component being imported. This local sourcing aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of these essential medicines for the people of Plateau State.
Bot also highlighted the agency’s state-of-the-art pharmaceutical-grade warehouse, which reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency within the pharmaceutical supply chain. Recently, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, inaugurated the PS-DMCMA Pharma-Grade Warehouse. This facility represents a collaboration between the state government, the federal government, and various partners, all aimed at improving the health outcomes of Plateau citizens.
The modern warehouse, equipped with cutting-edge technology and designed to meet global standards, features a cold room that can maintain temperatures below -80°C, a contemporary forklift capable of reaching heights of 3.5 meters, pallets for the efficient movement of supplies, a mini-quality control laboratory for initial pharmaceutical assessments, and a drug information center dedicated to monitoring adverse drug reactions and combating counterfeit medicines.
During the inauguration event, Governor Mutfwang expressed his immense pleasure and gratitude to God Almighty, stating, “It is with immense pleasure and gratitude to God Almighty that we gather here today for two landmark events in the history of our beloved Plateau State: the official commissioning of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) and the flagging-off of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS).”
He elaborated on the vision for these initiatives, which was conceived in September 2023. One year later, the state proudly celebrates their successful execution. Mutfwang emphasized that this occasion is not just about unveiling physical structures but is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of all citizens in Plateau State.
