C’River Deepens Healthcare Reforms, Seeks Pharma Partnership to Strengthen Drug Supply System
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its newly created Health Commodity and Drug Management Agency, with fresh engagements aimed at forging strategic partnerships with indigenous pharmaceutical firms.
At the forefront of this drive is Commissioner for Health, Elder Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, who led a delegation to Lagos for high-level talks with Mecure Pharmaceuticals, one of Nigeria’s leading local manufacturers of medicines. The visit comes on the heels of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s signing of the law establishing the Agency—an institution designed to guarantee efficient drug procurement, storage, and distribution across the state.
Dr. Ayuk explained that the administration’s goal is to secure a steady flow of quality and affordable medicines while fostering homegrown pharmaceutical capacity.
“This engagement is a reflection of our determination to reposition healthcare delivery in Cross River,” the Commissioner said. “By partnering with reputable indigenous companies like Mecure, we will not only ensure sustainable access to affordable medicines but also strengthen our supply chain systems and overall health infrastructure.”
The talks, which held at Mecure’s headquarters, featured detailed discussions on building resilient distribution networks and establishing modernized supply chains to prevent shortages of essential drugs in the state. Accompanied by the Director of Pharmacy Services, Mr. Sunday Ezong, Dr. Ayuk also toured the company’s ultramodern production plant, where he inspected its quality control mechanisms and innovative manufacturing processes.
In his remarks, Mecure’s Executive Director, Mr. Felix Anaje, welcomed the collaboration, pledging the company’s full support for Cross River’s health sector reforms.
“We are excited about this partnership,” Anaje affirmed. “Our role will be to complement the state government’s efforts by ensuring uninterrupted access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines for the people of Cross River.”
Other senior officials, including Mrs. Iniobong Joseph, Product Manager at Mecure, participated in the meeting, which ended with both sides reaffirming their readiness to pursue a long-term alliance. Specific details of joint initiatives are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The Health Commodity and Drug Management Agency, a key plank of Governor Otu’s “People First” agenda, is envisioned as the central hub for pharmaceutical and laboratory services in the state. It is expected to tackle the perennial challenges of drug scarcity, irregular pricing, and weak supply chain systems while boosting the confidence of citizens in public healthcare.
