The Plateau State government is setting its sights on manufacturing pharmaceutical products as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery, according to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Shurkuk Bako.
Speaking to Punch, Dr. Bako highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to revamp the health sector under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. He stated that while the government is currently focused on ensuring affordable and high-quality drugs for hospitals, it has plans to eventually venture into full-scale drug production.
“The long-term vision is to manufacture drugs in Plateau State,” Dr. Bako said. “For now, we are ensuring that drugs entering the state are sourced directly from manufacturers, bypassing middlemen to guarantee quality and affordability. This ensures patients can access drugs at prices they can afford while also safeguarding potency.”
Dr. Bako also revealed that the Plateau State government, in collaboration with international partners like Globafund, recently unveiled a drug management agency store worth about N500 million. The agency is tasked with maintaining drug quality, regulating prices, and ensuring steady supply to hospitals.
Since assuming office, Governor Mutfwang has implemented significant changes in the state’s healthcare sector. According to the commissioner, the administration has restored industrial harmony, hired more healthcare professionals, and embarked on a series of capital projects to improve health infrastructure.
“One of our key achievements is the employment of nearly 20 specialist consultants at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in various fields of medicine. This ensures our people receive quality healthcare,” Dr. Bako noted.
The administration has also prioritized training programs to address the shortage of healthcare workers caused by the ongoing “japa” syndrome, where professionals leave the country for better opportunities. A community nursing program has been approved, which will train individuals from local communities to serve in Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the state.
Dr. Bako provided updates on the recent cholera outbreak in Kanya community, Kanam Local Government Area, where two fatalities were reported. “Once we received the information, resources were mobilized, and 20 affected individuals were treated. Currently, there are no new cases, but surveillance and awareness campaigns are ongoing to prevent future outbreaks,” he said.
Despite progress, Dr. Bako identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle to achieving the government’s ambitious health goals. “Funding remains a challenge, but we are working towards solutions, including establishing a medical school to produce healthcare personnel locally,” he said.
The commissioner emphasized that the administration’s ultimate goal is to make Plateau a hub for medical tourism. “With upgraded facilities, skilled personnel, and multi-sectoral collaboration, we are positioning Plateau State to be a leader in quality healthcare delivery,” he concluded.