WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to establish the Lagos State Essential Medicines Agency (LSEMA) as part of its strategic efforts to ensure seamless management and distribution of essential medicines within the state. The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, during the ongoing Year 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing organized to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. Professor Abayomi highlighted the significance of establishing LSEMA, emphasizing its role in transforming the management and distribution of essential medicines in line with the Federal Government’s mandate for every state to set up a Drug Management Agency. According to Professor Abayomi, the establishment of LSEMA is designed to address significant challenges in the supply chain by introducing a structured and technologically driven approach to the procurement, storage, and distribution of health commodities. In terms of operational strategies, Professor Abayomi stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, stating that LSEMA would leverage productive collaborations with the private sector to enhance operational capacities. To address funding challenges, the agency will explore innovative financing models, including private-sector investments, ensuring self-sustainability with revenues generated through the sale of medicines.
Lagos State to establish essential medicines agency for efficient management, distribution of medicines
