By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
As the Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) exercise continued, the joint team from the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth), the Gombe State Drugs Management Agency (GODMA), the Ministry of Health, and the Hospital Services Management Board visited the Cottage Hospital Bojude to assess service delivery standards.
During the visit, the team observed gaps in pharmacy stock management, prompting a call for improved practices to safeguard patient safety and ensure drug quality.
Although no direct mention was made, the team advised hospital facilities to regularly review and update their inventory to avoid the risk of expired medicines remaining on shelves or being inadvertently dispensed to clients.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director, Standards Quality Assurance and Operations RN. Wasilatu Umar Sambo emphasized the need for a proactive approach to stock management, stating that “regular inventory checks, proper storage practices, and timely disposal of expired items are crucial to maintaining the integrity of pharmacy operations and protecting client safety.”
Pharm. Micah Musa, of the Gombe State Drug and Medical Consumables Management Agency (GODMA) further highlighted that effective stock management not only ensures the availability of quality medicines but also builds trust among healthcare consumers, reinforcing the credibility of public health facilities under the GoHealth scheme.
The ISS exercise, a collaborative effort by GoHealth, GODMA, the Ministry of Health, and the Hospital Services Management Board, continues across facilities to strengthen service delivery, identify gaps, and provide supportive guidance to hospital management teams.