The Kano State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programme, has convened a two-day workshop to review the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Pricing Policy.
This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Farouk Isa Musa. The workshop, held between August 24 and 25 in Kaduna, brought together government officials, donor partners, health practitioners, pharmacists, supply chain experts and community representatives to examine the current pricing framework and chart a new course for sustainability.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Pharm. Aminu Bashir, represented by Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, Director-General of the State Primary Health Care Management Board, described the DRF as a critical mechanism for ensuring continuous access to affordable, quality medicines.
Read Also:
OSN Annual Conference Opens with Free Cataract Surgeries in Kano
He said the review was necessary to align with economic realities, supply chain challenges and global best practices. “This review workshop is timely. It gives us the opportunity to examine the current pricing policy in depth and collectively chart a path forward,” he said. “Policies must be periodically reviewed and refined to reflect changing realities, economic, logistical, or epidemiological.”
In his welcome address, the Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule, noted that the DRF has remained central to sustaining affordable medicines across state-owned facilities. He said the review would help address gaps in the current system, ensure equity, and strengthen efficiency.
He added that the convergence of key stakeholders underscored a shared commitment to transparency and sustainability in the state’s health financing.
Similarly, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health and Chairman of SHCSS-C, Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu, explained that the objectives of the workshop included reviewing the current pricing structure, assessing its impact on drug availability and affordability, and exploring global models for sustainable DRFs.
“The ultimate aim is to protect access to affordable medicines while maintaining the financial sustainability of the fund,” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message, the State Team Lead of the FCDO Lafiya Programme, Alhaji Abdulkadir Salisu Kabara, commended the state government’s initiative. He urged participants to adopt data-driven and evidence-based approaches in making recommendations.
“I am optimistic that the outcomes from this workshop will help inform policy reforms and contribute to strengthening the transparency and efficiency of the Drug Revolving Fund in Kano State,” he said.
