Benue State govt destroys N100m worth of expired medicines

The Benue State government has chosen to obliterate approximately N100 million worth of outdated and unnecessary drugs at the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Makurdi.

This decisive move was announced by Dr. Stephen Hwande, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), which has annexed the hospital.

The wastage of medicines with such a substantial value has raised eyebrows, especially when the state is grappling with a large number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who could have immensely benefited from these drugs.

Under the new management, Dr. Hwande ensured that such a situation would never be allowed to occur again, emphasizing Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to providing the best and most affordable medical services to the people of Benue.

The governor’s dedication to healthcare service delivery has even prevented the Federal Government from taking back the Mother and Child Hospital from the state due to underutilization.

Dr. Hwande also made assurances that when the hospital becomes fully operational, a wide range of medical services, including IVF, out-patient services, health insurance, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, and minor surgery, will be offered at rates accessible to the common man.

Additionally, antenatal cards and cards for children under five years will be provided free of charge.

The CMD has set the date for the public destruction of the expired drugs on Friday, November 3, 2023.

This move is aimed at ensuring that such a grave oversight is not repeated, and the resources can be better utilized to serve the healthcare needs of the people.

Dr. Luper Uva, the Coordinator of the Hospital, also highlighted that the facility, originally built for women and children, has been expanded to include a general out-patient department to cater to men’s medical needs.

The hospital boasts modern facilities, including an electronic medical record system for efficiency, solar power systems for uninterrupted power supply, and various other amenities.

The 120-bed facility, commissioned in March 2022, was a collaborative effort between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Benue State government.

This critical step to eliminate expired medicines underscores the state government’s commitment to efficient and effective healthcare services for its people.