EXPERTS CALL FOR SETTING OF LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT COORDINATION UNIT (LMCU)
Experts in the health sector, have stressed the need to set up a Logistics Management Co-ordination Unit (LMCU), at various states across the country to coordinate logistics in the supply and distribution of drugs and other health commodities, through regular facility visits and efficient collation /analysis of reports, that would be a basic for evident based decision making and intervention. This was made known at a stakeholders forum in Benin, Edo State.
In her presentation, the Technical Lead from National Product Supply Chain Management Programme, (NPSCMP), under Federal Ministry of Health, Chinwe Okoroanyanwu, (Pharm.) highlighted the benefits of setting up a state LMCU, to include; improving report on supply chain activities;building capacity of the state facilities with the ability to generate distribution orders; and coordinate movement of drugs and health products.
Okoroanyanwu, pointed out that there was need for Edo State Government, Developmental Partners and relevant stakeholders to encourage the programme at the state level.
She emphasised that there should be a budget outline for LMCU in the health budget and the unit should have qualified staff, starting with the office of the State Coordinator. She further urged the state government to support the programme for it to be successful.
She further stated that the National Product Supply Chain Management Programme (NPSCMP), could provide the state with two consultants that would assist the LMCU with training needs to develop their individual operational work plan, the integrated supply chain curriculum, monitoring and supervision framework and other critical areas relevant to their work.
Earlier in his remark, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Ugbodaga, said that there was a need for proper coordination of LMCU activities to avoid wastage and duplication. He also called for more advocacy visits and media awareness for better understanding of the programme.
In his welcome address, the Director of Pharmaceutical Service, Edo State Ministry of Health, Mr. Godwin Okonoju (Pharm) noted that LMCU which was inaugurated on 13th February, 2015, in the state, was facing challenges in terms of absence of budget line and lack of adequate manpower.
