Cross River Partners Local Pharma Giants to Achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030

By Ebi COLLINS and Ubi Jessica Edet

The Cross River State Government has sealed a strategic partnership with a consortium of leading indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturers and financial partners to guarantee the availability and affordability of essential medicines, marking a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

The high-level engagement, held recently in the office of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, focused on strengthening the state’s pharmaceutical supply chain, promoting local manufacturing, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across all communities.

Dr. Ayuk, who led the state’s health team, presented the government’s policy direction anchored on affordability, quality assurance, and financial sustainability.

“Our vision is crystal clear: to achieve Universal Health Coverage for everyone by 2030,” he declared. “Equity must be at the heart of our system. The healthcare a rich man receives should be the same accessible to the poor.”

The Commissioner explained that the collaboration was backed by a financial model designed to ensure prompt payment and supply stability.

“We have facilitated this process through Sterling Bank,” he said. “As you supply us, the bank guarantees your payment. The state has taken steps to remove financial risk and create a secure market for essential medicines.”

Dr. Ayuk also highlighted the Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (DHCMA), a new legal framework that safeguards quality control and provides regulatory protection for pharmaceutical operations in the state. He insisted on strict adherence to the Essential Medicine List (EML), warning that exorbitant pricing or deviation from approved drug categories would nullify the agreement.

“This partnership will save lives,” Dr. Ayuk affirmed. “With quality medicines and reliable supply, we are one step closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Cross Riverians.”

Dr. Ekpo Ekpo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, lauded the DHCMA’s operational launch, describing it as essential to achieving UHC through the provision of “quality and affordable drugs.” He added that a functional drug supply system could also attract investors and residents to the state.

“If people know that in Cross River they can access affordable, quality medicines, that alone is a reason to live and do business here,” he noted, assuring investors that “Calabar is safe for business.”

Also speaking, Dr. Offor Bassey, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, described the partnership as both political and strategic, saying: “Cross River is the first state in the South-South to muster the political will to establish a DHCMA,” he said. “Strategically, this allows us to supply neighboring states and promote local industry growth.”

The business delegation included top executives from Carlos Pharma, Nemel Limited, Jawa, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Jubel, and Pinecrest Healthcare Ltd, alongside representatives of Sterling Bank.

Pharm. Dan Michael, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Carlos Pharma, said the company had the capacity to produce between 34 and 60 million packs of various dosage forms, including dry syrups and eye preparations, emphasizing readiness to serve the state’s needs.

Prince Emeka Ugwu, CEO of Nemel Limited, highlighted his company’s innovations in life-saving pediatric medicines, including the Amoxicillin tablet, effective against childhood pneumonia.

“We are a proud Nigerian company with capacity across beta-lactam and non-beta-lactam product lines,” he said. “Our passion for child health drives us, as every child deserves a chance to live.”

The consortium’s combined expertise spans anti-malarials, vaccines, infusions, and laboratory reagents. Sterling Bank received special commendation for providing financial backing to ensure a sustainable, “cash-and-carry” supply chain that will prevent stockouts and enhance drug security statewide.

The meeting ended with a joint commitment to consolidate the partnership and scale up local drug production to support the state’s healthcare goals.