EDSPHCDA Executive Secretary Inaugurates Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Committee

By Towncriernews 

The Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia in Benin City at the weekend, inaugurated the primary healthcare drug Revolving loan, charging them to plan thoroughly and put measures in place to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the DRF programme.

Expressing his sincere appreciation to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okphebholo, for his commitment to strengthening primary healthcare in the state. Dr. Osoikhia stressed that one of the governor’s key priorities is ensuring the availability of essential medicines and consumables at the primary healthcare facilities at an affordable cost to make life easier for Edo people.

Giving an overview of the DRF initiative, Eruaga Valentine, the Director, Essential Drugs and Logistics EDSPHCDA, said “It is very important to have essential medicines and commodities at the Primary Healthcare facilities.” 

Eruaga, a pharmacist, also noted that  DRF will eliminate frequent stockouts at all the primary healthcare facilities through a revolving drug supply system as well as reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. 

He also noted that the committee will play a key role in shaping the framework of the programme, ensuring compliance, and conducting regular reviews.

Adding to the discourse, Dr. Marvelson Obasogie, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics EDSPHCDA emphasised the need to digitalize DRF operations for better efficiency across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

He also recommended the decentralization of drug stores along senatorial districts to enhance accessibility and coverage.

During the event, each committee member was formally introduced, and their specific roles were highlighted. The committee includes representatives from various departments such as Essential Drugs and Logistics, Planning Research and Statistics, Administration, Finance, Media, Audit, Legal, Procurement  Store, Community and Family Health as well as Disease Control and Immunisation. 

The Inaugurated DRF Committee Members Include: Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia as Chairman, Mr. Eruaga Valentine – Program Manager, Mrs Nosakhare Adole-Orokpo – Secretary,

Mr. Edo Silvanus- Member, Dr. Marvelson Obasogie – Member, Dr. Idemudia Osayomore – Member, and Mr. Cosmas Okeigbemen – Member.

Others are, Mrs. Edith Idehen – Member,

Miss. Nelly Odiakaose – Member, Mrs. Osatohanmwen Ogbebor-Nwadialo – Member, Mrs. Nene Olaye – Member,

Mr. Victor Obasuyi – Member, Mrs Faith Egharevba Uhunamure – Member, and

Miss MaryJane Timothy – Member.