CurrentReport Blog The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi has announced a strategic partnership with pharmaceutical companies across Nigeria to ensure a steady supply of drugs, consumables, and reagents. This move is aimed at enhancing service delivery and establishing the hospital as a leading medical centre in North Central Nigeria.
The collaboration was disclosed by BSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr Stephen Hwande, during a stakeholders’ meeting on the effective supply of drugs and consumables held at the hospital’s conference hall.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
Dr Hwande emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that many essential medical supplies are unavailable in Benue State and must be sourced from Lagos or Abuja.
“This partnership is critical to our vision of making BSUTH a first-class medical centre where people would seek medical tourism. It will also help tackle the low life expectancy and high preventable death rates caused by a lack of essential drugs and consumables,” he said.
He reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to improving the healthcare experience in the region through innovative solutions and robust supply chain management.
Support from Key Stakeholders
The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, represented by Dr Joshua Agbadu, expressed full support for the hospital’s initiatives. Dr Agbadu commended Dr Hwande’s innovative approach to transforming BSUTH into a model healthcare institution.
In a presentation, Prof. Michael Agbir, Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, highlighted the critical drugs and consumables required by each department to deliver optimal healthcare services.
Industry Leaders Pledge Support
Former NAFDAC director, Dr Abubakar Jimoh, underlined the significance of an effective supply chain in improving healthcare outcomes.
“Drugs and consumables are the lifeblood of any healthcare system. A sustainable and reliable supply chain is crucial to delivering quality medical care,” he stated.
Representatives from leading pharmaceutical companies, including Vincal Pharmaceuticals, May & Baker, and Micro Noval Pharmaceuticals, pledged their support. They assured BSUTH that with adequate funding, the hospital would have access to all the necessary drugs and consumables.
Transforming Healthcare in Benue
This partnership is expected to address the challenges of drug shortages and improve healthcare services for the people of Benue State. With the hospital management’s determination and the support of stakeholders, BSUTH is on track to becoming a hub for medical excellence in the region.
