Ekiti Launches Public Health Supply Chain Innovation Hub

The Ekiti State Government has launched a Public Health Supply Chain Innovation Hub to strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery system and ensure improved access to essential medicines and commodities.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ekiti State Drugs and Health Supply Management Agency in collaboration with the African Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM), is aimed at advancing the state’s supply chain to a higher level of efficiency and sustainability.

Speaking at the launch, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the hub was part of ongoing efforts to build a strong, responsive and context-driven health supply chain toward achieving universal health coverage.

Filani said the government remained committed to ensuring that drugs and other health commodities are available, affordable and safe for all residents of the state.

He added that the recent construction of a state-of-the-art Pharmagrade warehouse in Ado-Ekiti was part of measures put in place by the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji to guarantee the availability and safety of medical supplies.

In his remarks, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency, Pharm. Kolawole Olajide, said the hub would strengthen both the agency and the overall supply chain system by developing a pool of skilled professionals within the state.

Olajide described the initiative as critical, noting that an efficient supply chain system depends on the availability of competent personnel to drive and sustain it.

He commended the Ekiti State Government and ARC-ESM for what he described as a step in the right direction toward achieving an effective health supply chain system.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of ARC-ESM, Dr Azuka Okeke, said the hub would serve as a supply chain control tower and a dynamic space for innovation, mentorship and practical problem-solving.

Okeke, who was represented by Mr Stephen Adeloro, said the initiative was designed to build a homegrown network of supply chain experts with both technical capacity and a deep understanding of local realities, infrastructure and population dynamics.

He disclosed that ARC-ESM had partnered with eight states across the country to establish similar hubs, adding that its philosophy was rooted in developing solutions that are affordable, practical and locally relevant to ensure resilience, ownership and sustainability.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun; the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Olasunkanmi Alabi; the General Manager, Sam Pharmaceuticals, Mr Suresh Nair; as well as other government officials, pharmacists and health professionals.