By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Tuesday said his administration’s commitment places high value on access to quality and affordable healthcare to the citizenry.
He equally said the State government will continue to refine its system, engage with communities, and work with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration into its broader healthcare framework.
Mutfwang stated this during the official commissioning of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) and the flagging-off of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS), held in Jos the State Capital.
The Governor urged residents to familiarize themselves with the aforementioned service and utilize it to enhance their health and well-being.
He said, “It is with immense pleasure and gratitude to God Almighty that we gather here today for two landmark events in the history of our beloved Plateau State; the official commissioning of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) and the flagging-off of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS).
“To the glory of God, the vision for these initiatives was conceived in September 2023, and today, exactly one year later, we celebrate their successful execution.
According to him, “This moment is not merely about the unveiling of physical structures, but a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Plateau citizens.
“My administration places a high value on access to quality and affordable healthcare, in view of its crucial role in enhancing the lives and living standards of our people.
“This new Pharma-Grade Warehouse will serve as a cornerstone of our efforts to build a sustainable healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and vaccines across all 17 Local Government Areas, especially where they are most needed.
“As we commission this state-of-the-art facility, we also open a new chapter in our pursuit of a more resilient, accessible, and responsive healthcare system”, he explained.
“This warehouse, equipped with modern technology and designed to global standards, includes a cold room that maintains temperatures below -80°C, a modern forklift capable of reaching heights of 3.5 meters, pallets for efficient movement of supplies, a mini-quality control laboratory for preliminary pharmaceutical assessments, and a drug information center to monitor adverse drug reactions and combat counterfeit medicines”, he maintained.
Speaking further, Mutfwang said, “the flag-off of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS) marks a significant milestone in our journey toward ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to saving lives and reducing mortality rates, providing a lifeline in our healthcare system.
“The goal of PLASEMSAS is to offer a consolidated emergency medical service and ambulance system that delivers prompt, efficient, and accessible care at no cost within the first 48 hours of an emergency.
“This initiative aims to eliminate the financial delays often encountered in critical situations, ensuring that timely care is available to all.
“This flag-off is just the beginning. We will continue to refine our system, engage with communities, and work with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration into our broader healthcare framework.
“I urge all Plateau citizens to familiarize themselves with this service and utilize it to enhance their health and well-being”, he admonished.
