Strengthening Public Health Procurement in Nasarawa State

The Importance of Strong Health Procurement Systems

In healthcare, efficient procurement systems are essential to ensuring that life-saving medications and supplies reach those in need in a timely manner. Weak or outdated procurement systems can lead to delays, shortages, and inefficiencies, directly impacting the health and well-being of populations. This workshop addressed these challenges head-on, working towards the development of policies and procedures that align with NASDSMA’s mandate and strategic goals. By doing so, NASDSMA is better positioned to manage health commodities, mitigate risks, and respond to the evolving healthcare needs of Nasarawa State.

Aligning Procurement Practices with Strategic Goals

The focus of this workshop was to tailor the procurement policy, strategy, and SOPs specifically to NASDSMA's operational context. The collaboration between HPA and key stakeholders ensured that the procurement processes being developed are practical, sustainable, and reflective of the agency's goals. This alignment empowers NASDSMA to source and supply high-quality, affordable healthcare products more effectively, directly improving the availability of essential medicines and supplies for the people of Nasarawa State.

Key Highlights of the Workshop

The four-day workshop brought together a wide array of stakeholders, reflecting the collaborative approach needed to address complex public health challenges. Attendees included representatives from NASDSMA, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health (SMoH), the Nasarawa State Bureau of Public Procurement (NSBPP), and other critical partners. The diversity of expertise and perspectives allowed for rich discussions and a comprehensive review of the drafted policies and procedures.

Some of the major stakeholders in attendance included:

• Dr. Damina John Ali, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health
• Pharm. Haruma M. Wakili, General Manager, NASDSMA
• Dr. Baba Danjuma, Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health
• Aliyu Balarabe Musa, Procurement Specialist, Nasarawa State Bureau of Public Procurement
• Dr. Ebeshi Elizabeth, Acting Director, Monitoring, Enforcement, and Compliance, Nasarawa State Bureau of Public Procurement

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Damina John Ali, lauded the efforts of HPA Nigeria, particularly the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) program, which has been instrumental in transforming the procurement landscape in Nasarawa. He emphasized that a streamlined procurement process would not only improve access to medicines but also strengthen the overall health system in the state.

Additionally, the General Manager of NASDSMA, Pharm. Haruma M. Wakili, expressed his gratitude to HPA and CIPS for their role in enhancing the agency's capabilities. He reaffirmed NASDSMA’s commitment to adopting and implementing the new procurement policies and strategies, which will be critical to achieving the agency's objectives of ensuring sustainable and equitable access to healthcare supplies across the state.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Impact

The success of the workshop was a testament to the power of collaboration. HPA Nigeria worked closely with NASDSMA and the broader health sector to ensure that the policies being validated are not only robust but also aligned with local needs. The engagement of public procurement authorities, healthcare planners, and practitioners underlined the shared vision of improving healthcare delivery through better procurement processes.

This workshop is part of a broader mission by Health Procurement Africa to strengthen public health procurement systems across Africa. In Nasarawa State, this effort is critical as it will lead to the development of procurement strategies that support the state’s healthcare objectives while ensuring that public resources are utilized effectively.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Implementation

While the workshop was an important step forward, the real work begins with the implementation of the validated Procurement Policy, Strategy, and SOPs. NASDSMA’s leadership is now equipped with the tools and knowledge to operationalize these frameworks, ensuring that the agency’s procurement processes are transparent, accountable, and aligned with its broader goals. HPA will continue to support the implementation phase, providing guidance and technical assistance as needed.

The next steps will involve training NASDSMA staff on the new procedures, building capacity for effective procurement management, and monitoring progress to ensure that the intended outcomes are achieved. These efforts will contribute to a more resilient health system in Nasarawa State, capable of meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Conclusion: A Milestone in Health Procurement Reform

The Nasarawa State Procurement Policy, Strategy, and SOPs Consensus Building and Validation Workshop represents a significant achievement in the journey toward stronger public health procurement systems in Nigeria. By partnering with key stakeholders and focusing on tailored, context-specific solutions, HPA Nigeria is helping to ensure that NASDSMA can deliver high-quality healthcare supplies efficiently and effectively to the people of Nasarawa State.

As we look to the future, Health Procurement Africa remains committed to driving innovative solutions that strengthen health systems across the continent. Our efforts in Nasarawa are just the beginning of a broader movement to improve procurement practices, enhance healthcare access, and deliver better health outcomes for all.

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About Health Procurement Africa
Health Procurement Africa (HPA) is a leading organization committed to enhancing procurement practices within the health sector across Africa. By providing capacity-building, policy development, and strategic support, HPA works to ensure that health procurement systems are transparent, efficient, and aligned with international best practices. Join us and lets make a difference together Register fro free at https://portal.healthprocurementafrica.org/register