By Itam Offor
In it’s continuous efforts at strengthening healthcare delivery in the State, the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA) has repealed the Essential Drugs Programme Law 2002 and passed the CRS Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Bill 2025 into Law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the Member representing Boki 2 State Constituency and Chief Whip of the House, Rt Hon Hillary Bisong was first read at plenary on the 12th of September, 2024 while it’s second reading was on Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 before it was referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security for other legislative procedures.
Rt Hon Bisong who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee recalled that the World Health Organisation(WHO) introduced the concept of the Essential Drug Programme globally in 1981 which led to the passage of the Essential Drug Programme Law of 2002, adding that his Committee observed that while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“Upon thorough scrutiny of the proposed Bill, the Commitee observed that while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law 2002 are retained, the new bill offers a more comprehensive and contemporary framework for Drugs and Health Commodities Management.
” It transitions from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged Agency Model, thereby expanding the scope of it’s operations to meet the present day health care delivery challenges and realities”. Bisong explained.
The Chief Whip further listed the merits of the new bill including; enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution of drugs and Health Commodities across the State, as well as overseeing the circulation of Medical devices, aids, equipment, chemical, reagents, vaccines, syringes etc.
Bisong explained that the proposed Agency will take charge of efficient management of the existing central drugs receipt and distribution as well as strengthen healthcare delivery especially in the Local Government level.
In separate contributions, the Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill. They maintained that the proposed Agency will enhance the performance of the existing Health Insurance Scheme as well as create employment opportunities for the citizens.
On his part, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed happiness at the passage of the bill, stressing that the 10th Assembly will continue to enhance good governance through people oriented legislation.
