Eid-el-Kabir: Pharm. Gali Sule Felicitates Gov. Yusuf, Muslim Ummah, Calls for Peaceful Coexistence

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Director General of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharm. Gali Sule, heartily felicitates with the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II; the government and good people of Kano State; as well as the entire Muslim Ummah on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir 1447AH.

Pharm. Gali Sule noted that the celebration offers another opportunity for citizens to strengthen the bonds of unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual understanding irrespective of social, ethnic, or political differences. He urged the people of Kano State to continue supporting the present administration’s efforts toward improving healthcare delivery, social welfare, and sustainable development across the state.

The DG further commended the leadership of His Excellency Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to the growth and transformation of the health sector and other critical sectors in Kano State through Kano First Agenda initiative. He also acknowledged the fatherly role and continuous prayers of His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, in promoting peace, unity, and progress within the state and beyond.

He called on Muslim faithful to use the period to pray for enduring peace, stability, and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large, while also extending kindness and support to the less privileged in society in line with the teachings of Islam.

“As we celebrate this blessed occasion, may Almighty Allah accept our sacrifices and acts of worship, bless our homes with happiness and abundant mercy, and grant our leaders the wisdom and strength to continue serving humanity with sincerity and dedication,” he prayed.

Eid-el-Kabir remains a significant period in the Islamic calendar that symbolizes total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, sacrifice, patience, obedience, and compassion as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It is a season that calls on all Muslims to reflect on the virtues of selflessness, tolerance, love, and commitment to humanity.

Kano Govt Intensifies War Against Substandard Drugs as Committee Confiscates ₦200m Fake Medicines

By Our Reporter 

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and curbing the circulation of substandard drugs. 

This follows the seizure of counterfeit drugs worth over ₦200 million by the Kano State Committee on Motor Parks and Other Public Places during its operation in Kano.

The drugs lacked approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The operation was carried out jointly by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA, Police, and Immigration to ensure its success and safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

The raid, led by the Committee Chairman, Major Adamu Abubakar Usman (Rtd.), took place in a neighborhood within Kano metropolis following intelligence reports and the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that only safe and approved medicines are sold to the public.

A press release issued to journalists by Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, the Director Public Enlightenment at Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs who is also a member of the committee, quoted Major Abubakar speaking during the operation that the fake drugs were found in an abandoned building, stored under extreme heat and without any health safeguards. 

"These drugs lacked NAFDAC certification, further endangering public health, especially that of women and children.

"Storing drugs in unhygienic conditions and excessive heat can compromise users efficacy and cause serious harm to their live, particularly when the drugs are not approved by the relevant authorities".

Major Usman emphasized that the Committee will continue to collaborate with security and health agencies to combat the trafficking of fake drugs and ensure that anyone found involved in this illegal activity is prosecuted.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Special Development Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai also a member of the committee urged the public to verify the authenticity of medicines before purchasing and to report anyone suspected of selling substandard or unapproved drugs.

He reiterated that Kano State Government would not tolerate anything that endangers the lives of its citizens and would continue to take appropriate measures to protect public health.

Earlier, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Command, Ya'u Malam Yakubu explained that the confiscated drugs include 55 cartons of Super Sexy, 144 cartons of Bold Brown/Body Blis, 70 cartons of Lion King/Hygra and 3 sacks of empty parks.

Kano PHIMA, FCDO Lafiya Train Private Health Facilities on DHIS2 Reporting

By Fauziyya Habib Mahmud

The Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), in collaboration with FCDO Lafiya, has successfully conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening DHIS2 reporting among selected private health facilities in Kano State.

The workshop, which took place at the Agency’s conference hall, brought together representatives of private health facilities, Local Government Area (LGA) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers, the PHIMA M&E team, the State HMIS team, and development partners.

The training Focused on improving DHIS2 reporting completeness, timeliness, data quality, and effective data utilization among private health facilities across the State.

In her welcome address, the Acting Director-General of the Agency, Hajiya Khadijah Sa’id, appreciated the participants for honoring the invitation and urged private health facility representatives to ensure accurate and timely documentation of patients’ records.

She noted that proper record keeping and regular monthly reporting through DHIS2 are essential in helping government and stakeholders in the health sector to understand prevailing health challenges within communities and respond appropriately through improved healthcare interventions.

She further stated that facilities that consistently submit accurate and timely reports would be recognized with certificates or tokens of appreciation to encourage compliance and excellence in reporting practices.

She emphasized the need for improved DHIS2 reporting, stressing that quality health data remains critical for disease surveillance, health planning, policy formulation, resource mobilization, and evidence-based decision-making within the health sector.

The Acting Director-General also disclosed that PHIMA would commence supervisory visits to health facilities across the State next week, warning that any facility found violating reporting regulations or operating outside approved standards would face sanctions, including possible sealing of the facility.

Speaking during the workshop, the PHIMA Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Shafi’u Ahmad highlighted the a

Agency’s mandate and the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS)/DHIS2 policy requirements for both public and private health facilities.

According to him, every private health facility operating in Kano State must register with PHIMA before commencing operations and renew its operational license annually upon payment of the approved renewal fees.

He further stressed that all health facilities are mandated to comply with NHMIS/DHIS2 reporting requirements by ensuring complete, accurate, and timely submission of health data into the national health information system.

The officer warned that facilities found guilty of non-compliance, poor reporting practices, or illegal operations would be sanctioned in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

Also speaking at the workshop, The facilitator Muhammad Jamil Saleh from FCDO Lafiya presented an analysis of DHIS2 reporting performance among private health facilities. He revealed that many facilities remain completely non-reporting or have very low reporting rates.

He identified common data quality challenges, including incomplete records, delayed submission of reports, inconsistencies in figures, and inaccurate documentation. He further explained that quality health data plays a vital role in planning, budgeting, supportive supervision, performance monitoring, resource allocation, and program implementation. He added that reliable data enables government and partners to identify health priorities, track disease trends, allocate resources effectively, evaluate health programs, and make informed decisions that improve healthcare service delivery.

As part of the workshop activities, participants were divided into groups comprising private health facility representatives and LGA M&E officers to identify root causes of reporting and data quality gaps, share operational and system-level challenges, and develop practical strategies for improving reporting completeness and timeliness.

Each group later presented its findings and recommendations, with participants collectively emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration, regular supportive supervision, continuous capacity building, and greater commitment to DHIS2 reporting among private health facilities.

The workshop ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to strengthen health data management systems and improve the quality, completeness, and timeliness of health reporting across Kano State.

Kano DMCSA Holds Workshop on SOP Development for Integrated Last-Mile Delivery, Fleet Management

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has organized a two-day workshop on the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Integrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD) and Fleet Management, as part of efforts to strengthen the healthcare supply chain system in the state.

The workshop, supported by the Gates Foundation through Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD), brought together key stakeholders from the Kano State Ministry of Health and its agencies, implementing partners, and technical experts to collaboratively design operational frameworks that align with national guidelines and international best practices.

Speaking during the opening session, the Director General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule, emphasized the importance of establishing clear and standardized operational procedures in all activities of the Agency.

According to him, the development of SOPs is critical to ensuring professionalism, efficiency, accountability, and adherence to global best practices in the management and distribution of drugs and medical consumables across Kano State.

Pharm. Gali Sule further commended development partners, particularly the Gates Foundation's Strengthening Integrated Last Mile Delivery and Supply Visibility Project, for their continuous technical support to the Agency through Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD).

He noted that the partnership has significantly contributed to strengthening the state’s health systems and improving service delivery mechanisms.

In his welcome address, the Director Pharmaceutical Services, Kano State Primary Health Care Board, Pharm. Abdullahi A. Danzabuwa noted that after procurement, last-mile delivery is the most costly part of the supply chain system. He stressed the need to make the iLMD system work effectively, adding that everyone must understand their roles and responsibilities. He prayed that Allah would grant participants the wisdom to produce a concrete document.

Delivering goodwill message, the State Lead C4SD reiterated the project's commitment to the continued improvement in the health commodity supply chain of Kano State in line with international best practices. 

In his presentation, Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, the Technical Assistant to DMCSA, explained that the workshop focused on developing practical and sustainable SOPs for Integrated Last-Mile Delivery and Fleet Management, aimed at enhancing efficiency and ensuring the timely distribution of essential health commodities to healthcare facilities across the state.

He also noted that the expected outcomes of the workshop include the establishment of a robust framework for effective fleet management and last-mile delivery operations, ultimately improving healthcare service delivery, especially at the grassroots level.

Also speaking, Pharm. Salisu Hashim Muhammad, the Director of Drugs and Supply at DMCSA, who enumerated the objectives of the workshop, assured participants of the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that the SOPs developed are practical, sustainable, and responsive to the healthcare delivery needs of Kano State.

Participants at the workshop engaged in technical sessions and collaborative discussions designed to produce comprehensive operational guidelines that will standardize processes, improve coordination, and enhance accountability within the health supply chain system.

The workshop represents another milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Kano State Government, stewarded by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to strengthen the health sector and guarantee the availability and efficient distribution of essential medicines and medical consumables across the state.

The seasoned technical experts at the event include Dr. Aisha Barka, Coordinator of Reproductive Health and Family Planning at the State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Isah Bala Musa, Director Pharmaceutical Services at the Hospital Management Board, and Mansura Yahaya Haruna, the State Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Coordinator, among other stakeholders and professionals in the health sector.

The workshop concluded with a session on next steps, led by the standing chairman, Pharm. Abdullahi A. Danzabuwa. He commended participants for attending over the weekend and prayed for their safe return to their destinations.