By Emmanuel kehinde
Ilorin – The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), has pledged to support the Kwara State Hospital Management Beureu in its efforts to reposition the healthcare system across the 16 Local Government areas of the state.
Mr Adejuwon Otelaja, the Kwara State Chairman of PSN , represented by his deputy, Mr Mohammed papa-Malik, stated this when the association paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik.
Otelaja described Malik as a hard working, dedicated Pharmacist, who is passionate about the health of citizens in Kwara.
According to him, the actions of the Executive Secretary in returning back to his root from diaspora to contribute his quota to the health sector is commendable.
Also speaking, Mr Majid Ojerinde, a former state Chairman of the association asserted that the PSN will give maximum support to the board in ensuring that the administration of Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak achieved the set objectives in revamping the health sector across the state.
He advised the Executive Secretary to be a worthy ambassador of the association and reposition the healthcare system in the state.
In his reaction, Dr Abdulraheem Malik, the Executive Secretary of the board commended the PSN for the visit, saying that he needed all the support he can get from his constituent.
He stated that the the state government was passionate about repositioning the health sector, adding that through concerted efforts, much progress will be achieved in the provision of health care.
Malik pledged that the board will make necessary changes that will make government-owned hospitals to be more effective and efficient in healthcare service delivery.
In her good will message, Hajia Aduke Kuranga, a former Commissioner of Health in the state expressed optimism that Malik will bring his expertise on board and make a difference in the healthcare system of the state.
She recalled that Kwara was used as case study by other states, especially in the area of Essential Drug Programme, adding that various states came to understudy the programme.
Kuranga expressed the hope that such initiatives such as the Quality Control Laboratory for analysis of drugs will be revived.
Also speaking, Dr Sa’ad Abdullahi, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Ilorin, appealed to the Executive Secretary to deploy students of the University on internship programmes, General Hospitals.
He explained that currently, the University is offering PharmD programme, adding that about 500 level to 600 level, students of Pharmacy are expected to undertake their clinicals anytime from now.
